Iron (Fe)

Iron (Fe) is a micronutrient that plays a pivotal role in the biology and science of cannabis cultivation. Essential to the process of photosynthesis, iron acts as a critical component of chlorophyll production, allowing cannabis plants to convert light into the energy they use to grow.

Iron is also a key player in enzyme activities that manage plant respiration and energy transfer, making it instrumental in maintaining healthy growth and development. In cannabis, iron deficiencies can result in the yellowing of leaves, specifically the newer, upper leaves, and can dramatically affect yields and plant health if not addressed.

Monitoring Iron Levels

It is vital that cannabis growers monitor their plants for iron levels, as both deficiency and toxicity can occur. An iron-deficient cannabis plant may exhibit interveinal chlorosis, where the veins remain green while the rest of the leaf turns yellow.

This nutrient imbalance often arises in environments with high pH levels, as iron becomes less soluble and thus less available to the plant. To remedy this, growers may adjust the pH or add iron using supplements or foliar sprays, ensuring that it is chelated for optimal plant absorption.

How does the body use iron and how does iron deficiency occur?

Iron is crucial for the body to produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Without enough iron, the body can’t make enough healthy oxygen-carrying red blood cells, leading to iron deficiency symptoms and causes – fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

Proper Management of Iron

Proper management of iron in cannabis cultivation is integral to a successful grow. Cannabis plants absorb iron in its divalent form (Fe2+), but in higher pH environments, iron tends to convert to its trivalent form (Fe3+), which is less available to plants.

Knowledgeable growers employ techniques such as adding sulfur to lower soil pH or using chelated iron products that are stable across a wider pH range. Understanding the role of iron in cannabis nutrient regimens allows growers to produce robust and thriving plants, and ultimately, superior quality cannabis.