Plant Yield: The Ultimate Measuring Stick

Jeremy Poland | iStockPhoto

Cultivators have specific expectations from the nutrients they feed their crops. “Yield” (91%) was the most-cited desired nutrient impact according to both this year’s research and 2019’s, though the number of growers noting they expect nutrients to impact yield increased 14 percentage points from 77% in 2019. Other most-cited desired nutrient results among 2021 research participants include “terpene development/aroma and flavor” (80%), “growth rate” (79%), “plant/flower development” (74%), and “bud structure/density” (72%).

57% of this year’s “State of the Cannabis Nutrients Market” participants cited “resistance to stressors/contaminants” as a top desired nutrient impact (48% in 2019).
Note: Totals exceed 100% because respondents could select all that apply.
17% of this year’s study participants indicated only using the manufacturers’ feeding charts when making nutrient decisions.

More Growers Are Using Manufacturer’s Feeding Charts vs. 2019

When it comes to feeding charts, specifically, this year’s research shows an increasing portion of cultivators use the manufacturer’s chart adapted to their own needs (47%), up 6 percentage points from 2019 (41%). In contrast, the portion of cultivators using their own feed chart design dropped 10 percentage points (28%) this year from the 2019 report (38%).

About the Research and Participants

Third-party researcher Readex Research conducted the study and compiled data for the “2021 State of the Cannabis Nutrients Market” report. Cannabis Business Times sent the research questionnaire in October 2021 to magazine subscribers with known email addresses and/or e-newsletter subscribers located in the United States, Canada, or other (unknown) North American locations. As an incentive to participate, respondents were able to enter into a drawing for a chance to win one of three $100 Visa gift cards. The study link was also included in CBT’s e-newsletters and social media posts.

Results are based on 108 participants who indicated they own or work for a licensed operation that cultivates cannabis for sale. The margin of error for percentages based on the 108 respondents is approximately ±9.4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

December 2021
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