Horticultural Management and Environment Control Strategies for Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) Cultivation

Abstract

The objective of this project was to establish horticultural management recommendations for each growth stage of cannabis with respect to growing medium, light quality and flux, temperature, and CO₂ supplementation. A peat-based potting mix produced longer roots compared to peat plugs; however, rockwool media resulted in 97% rooting success. There was no effect of light quality on root dry mass; however, the cuttings under red light exhibited significantly more and longer roots. Low light acclimated plants exhibited contrasting Net Carbon Exchange Rate (NCER) responses to 15 light spectral qualities; no differences in NCER were observed between 15-32°C. NCER responses to light and CO₂ concentration indicated optimal light intensity of 410-960 µmol m⁻²·s⁻¹ and ~1600 ppm CO₂ for stock, 21 DAP vegetative and 35 DAP flowering plants. Plants in a peat-based mixture with slow-release fertilizer exhibited higher floral yield than organic mixtures.