Did you know that the cannabis industry is said to be worth more than $30 billion by 2025? Once you consider that, it should come as no surprise that the technology commonly used to grow cannabis has been getting more complex and effective with every passing year.
Now, it is very likely that you are not a beginner that has just read their very first Growing Cannabis FAQ. In fact, you might have entered the industry quite a few years ago. However, you might not be fully aware of the current industry trends when it comes to technology.
If that is the case, do not worry. Once you read this article, you should know everything you need to know about the most effective technologies you can use in your growth operations.
DNA Extraction Methods
You might be aware of the fact that genetics play an important role in cannabis cultivation. The genes are responsible for the key characteristics of marijuana plants, such as their sex, flower structure, and disease resistance.
Thus, many plant breeders have started to analyze the genetic makeup of seedlings they plan on using. That way, they can figure out which seedlings have sought-after properties without having to wait for the plants to mature. The process does not take long, as it can yield results within 72 hours.
On top of that, rapid and advanced DNA extraction methods can help detect various pathogens, yeasts, and molds in various matrices, including plant material, which can greatly help cannabis cultivators. After all, pathogens and spoilage organisms can stunt the growth of cannabis seedlings and reduce product quality. Timely detection and treatment can effectively prevent that from happening.
Chemical Nutrients
Giving your marijuana plants the nutrients they need is a must if you want them to stay green and strong. Chemical nutrients are one of the most effective ways to go about it. While not everyone might be keen on using such nutrients, they have many benefits.
First of all, they tend to increase the potency of buds. Second of all, thanks to the technologies used in their production, they can provide your cannabis plants with nutrients in their easiest-to-absorb form. They do not need to be broken down in the soil to become available to your plants. As a result, their growth is somewhat faster, and the yields are improved.
Moreover, they are the best option for hydroponic systems. That is because they are less likely to cause spoilage organisms to grow in the water reservoir than organic nutrients. Lastly, they are very affordable and widely available. Taking these benefits into account, you should definitely consider giving chemical nutrients a try!
LED Grow Lights
Thanks to numerous technological improvements, bud quality, cannabis growth, and yields from LED grow lights have increased exponentially in the past few years. On top of that, the said improvements do not seem to be slowing down. Quite the opposite, actually!
According to experienced growers’ accounts, LEDs tend to produce more colorful buds and test for higher THC levels at the lab. However, it is worth mentioning that that was not always the case, as HPS grow lights used to produce better yields and bud quality than LEDs just a few years ago.
Additionally, they can be an excellent choice for cannabis cultivators struggling to manage the high temperatures in their grow rooms. Nowadays, high-quality LEDs produce significantly less heat than every other type of grow light.
Finally, they are incredibly convenient. Unlike HPS grow lights, they can be turned on and off instantly. In comparison, once you turn an HPS bulb off, you will have to wait several minutes before turning it on again. All in all, modern LEDs are much better than other types of grow lights in most situations.
In Conclusion
As you can see, you can take your cannabis production to the next level in many different ways. For example, you can use chemical nutrients to improve yields and increase the potency of buds and analyze the genetic makeup of cannabis seedlings to determine whether they have properties that you might be interested in.
Obviously, you do not have to make use of these technologies if you do not want to. It all depends on your financial resources and what you believe is right for your plants.
Keep in mind that if you are not sure whether one of the technological solutions mentioned above will fit your needs, you can always experiment with it. That way, you will learn something new that might prove to be useful in the future.
