When we think of the nutrients cannabis plants require, we typically think of magnesium, potassium, and calcium. But what about Sulfur? While some individuals may think of the stench of demons from a certain TV show featuring two brothers fighting paranormal evil in a classic car, experienced growers know that sulfur can be a good thing.
Sulfur, like other nutrients, is a vital part of the healthy growth of cannabis plants. According to information shared by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, “Sulfur is a structural component of protein disulfide bonds, amino acids, vitamins, and cofactors.”
Naturally present in small amounts within the soil, sulfur will need to be added to any soil alternatives used to grow the cannabis. This is typically accomplished by tailoring feeding regimens to the grow methods and strains. However, depending on the strain and stage within the lifecycle, more sulfur may be required when compared to other strains.
While sulfur is not typically a nutrient heard about as commonly as potassium or calcium, it is still needed for the plant to grow to its fullest potential. While typically naturally occurring in soil, it will need to be incorporated into the plant’s feeding regimen when using soil alternatives.
Sulfur is an important component when it comes to plant metabolism. Known as sulfur metabolism, According to information from Methods in Enzymology, this process provides compounds that are essential for the survival and fitness of plants.
When a cannabis plant has a sulfur deficiency, it can impact the overall health of the plant. Since sulfur is a key part of plant metabolism, a deficiency can impact how a plant consumes the nutrients it needs. This can lead to the susceptibility of harmful pathogens or in the worst case scenario, death.
Before a cannabis plant gets to that stage, it can display symptoms of sulfur deficiency. While growers should have a knowledge of what each type of deficiency looks like, they can appear in differing ways. The tricky part lies in the fact that some symptoms can appear similar between nutrient deficiencies. However, with experience and the right tools, they can decipher what exactly their plants need.
Let’s take a closer look at what a sulfur deficiency looks like.
What does a sulfur deficiency even look like? This type of deficiency can appear in a handful of different ways. One of the most noticeable signs will be in the leaves. The tips around the leaves will show signs of burning, while the veins appear yellow, giving the leaves a zebra-like appearance.
The stems can also show signs of sulfur deficiency. They will often develop a woody appearance and purple streaks. This form of damage will cause breakage and susceptibility to viruses, viroids, and other harmful problems.
In flowering cannabis plants, a sulfur deficiency can impact the bud growth and structure. Buds will grow more slowly than healthy plants and be considerably lighter (also known as larf). In the long run, this will impact the overall yield for the crop’s harvest.
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Works Cited
Geisler, Markus. “Transporters in plant sulfur metabolism.” Frontiers, 18 August 2014, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2014.00442/full. Accessed 15 October 2023.
Kopriva, Suleyman G. “Methods in Enzymology.” Science Direct, 2022, https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/sulfur-metabolism#:~:text=Sulfur%20metabolism%20is%20a%20dynamic,plant%20responses%20to%20such%20cues. Accessed 2023 Oct 14.
Loud Clouds. “Loud Clouds.” Loud Clouds, 9 March 2019, https://loudclouds.co/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/marijuana-deficiency-chart-jorge-cervantes.jpg. Accessed 15 October 2023.
Narayan, Om P., et al. “Sulfur nutrition and its role in plant growth and development.” PubMed, 7 February 2022, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35129079/. Accessed 14 October 2023.
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