tony stark

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2 posts by tony stark

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on {growing bud}

Flushing Cannabis - is it bro science ?

no its science bro ;)

on {growing bud}

Flushing Cannabis - is it bro science ?

.

https://atrium.lib.uoguelph.ca/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10214/12125/Stemeroff_Jonathan_201712_Msc_with_erratum.pdf

I’ve recently seen a discussion that was inspired by a study into cannabis production ( pdf linked above ).
One of the things the study investigated was the impact of flushing soil grown cannabis plants with nutrient free water two weeks prior to harvest to determine whether it had the intended effect of reducing nutrient concentrations in dried bud.

According to the study - “Flushing is currently standard common practice used by many cannabis producers. This involves irrigating the plants with nutrient free water for the last two weeks before harvest. The belief is that this method of irrigation will reduce the concentration of nutrients within the bud. This reduction is then believed to have impacts on the taste of the final product when consumed. Regardless of the anecdotal impacts on taste, there is little evidence that flushing the root zone during the final phase of production would result in a net export of nutrients from the maturing bud.”

So contrary to common practice the attached study suggests flushing has almost no impact on the amount of nutrients measured in the end product. The only benefit of flushing is that the grower can use water for the final two weeks with no effect on the final yield suggesting the only benefit to flushing is that the grower can save on nutrient cost during the final two weeks of the grow cycle.
I’m sure we all know someone who’s ruined a crop from over feeding but the Cannabis for this study was grown in a lab by people who really know what they are doing.

Until I read this study I was under the impression that flushing a crop is essential and to not flush is almost a sin but is it all in the dry and cure?
There’s no denying properly cured cannabis is a different beast to something that’s been flash dried and bagged within two weeks of harvest.
Is drying in a controlled environment and a proper cure where the real magic happens and the real break down of nutrients occurs (if it happens at all)?
Is flushing stoner science?
Does anyone know what the deal is with food crops and are these flushed before being sold to consumers?
Is it just cannabis farmers that flush crops?.

I would love to hear experiences and ideas around this, I think it’s a very interesting subject especially when presented with a study that goes against what is common practice.

greenhedge1

I believe when growing with hydro you must flush the last two weeks, two pump out the nutrients, soil organically grown is different because all the nutrients are in the soil. So I believe with arable farming it’s the same context which is why shit is sprayed as opposed to anything else at guess. I do actually know an arable farmer, so I will ask out of interest.

0.0

Im no expert...but ive grown soil and tested flushing and not with the same strain...there was a marked difference... in that the smoke was indeed smoother than the girl i didnt flush...having said this...the rougher smoke was still enjoyable in her own way...i should add..i used synthetic nutes...i've since moved to only organic and will repeat the test with this grow in 2 weeks

nlxxhz1001

Let us know how the test goes, I’d love to hear. To be honest I have the same experience as you, I have only ever grown organically but I still felt there was a difference although that difference became smaller once both were properly cured.

0.0

100% agree with you on results after a decent cure...terps can (in my experience) differ sooo much...so many variables to consider...not just genetics and various phenos...but even where a particular plant was in a tent...my OCD is begining to show now :)

nlxxhz1001

The OCD with plants is real, I understand totally! Haha.
The crop I tested were clones from a very stable strain so it’s interesting you had the same result with different strains.
But yeah, so many variables, it’s crazy.
Apart from confusing people like me I guess the good thing with cannabis becoming more widely accepted is that we will get more controlled studies like this.

0.0

Amen brother/sister.....amen

nlxxhz1001

It’s brother haha, and I just replied to the PM you sent a couple of days ago.. totally missed it sorry.

nlxxhz1001

Thanks for the reply, that’s very interesting especially regarding the hydro vs soil, I’m also really interested to know what the arable farmer has to say.
Would also love to hear from some hydro growers and their methods, I know there are specific products like Canna flush that allow nutrients to be used during the later stages of flowering.

greenhedge1

Yeah I will speak ask him, I’m seeing him this week, he is an ole boy and hasn’t farmed for the last the couple of decades so his advice will be from during his time of farming. But this is a great thread and would be great to read other people s views and info on things as it’s great to learn.

nlxxhz1001

That’s awesome, looking forward to hearing what he’s got to say. Thanks.

British Bulldog 9.9/10

I've never read one single peice of peer reviewed scientific evidence that backs up the flushing process.

However, I will say that very carefully introducing a lesser nutrient amount, plus lowering the light cycle by around 15 minutes every few days towards the end of flower does tend to 'force' the plant to produce a bit more resin.

I do also flush my ladies for 10-14 days because it's what I'm used to... but I have zero actual evidence flushing is doing a single thing to the end product, just my own opinion.

I dry using fan speed controllers to control relitive humidity and temperature, then cure in pitch darkness for around 8 weeks at around 60% RH and 18 degrees celcuis, and I'm fairly certain that has a huge affect on the end result, but again, that's just my opinion.

I have a couple of mates who prefer their weed dried but not cured for long at all, as although they acknowledge it's not as smooth, they say it tastes stronger.

Cannabis use is extremely subjective.

Trying to change the opinions of people who have held beliefs about cannabis for years is almost impossible. If I would make one observation of the cannabis community they are extremely set in their ways, and very certain about their opinions.

The scientific method is dynamic. That's what makes it different to religion, and there are too many people who treat cannabis cultivation like some kind of cult and avoid progress or different opinions than theirs like the plaugue.

It's exactly what happened when LED grow lights came on the scene "oh it's just a scam... It's all bullshit they'll never work" etc etc... And now, a few years later, those same people spouting these comments on grow forums are using LEDs, guaranteed.

If actual irrefutable, lab controlled botanic science proves flushing is bullshit, who the hell am I to argue? And I've been growing for 20 years.

Just my 2p.

Cheers BB 😁🍻👍

SadHomie

Some of the nicest bud on here so you're definitely doing something right. 🙏

nlxxhz1001

Bro, Now I’m even more confused :)

downHillz

You're both right bros!

nlxxhz1001

Thanks bro!

thatguyforbud 8.9/10

In our opinion, its a must. You grow this beautiful plant and risk the fact there may be dangerous chemicals you intend to smoke? We flush all our products for 2 weeks but usually aim for 2.5 weeks

Flyingscotsman

Im a grower and i can tell you that if you do not flush you will end up with weed that is so harsh u can only cough when smoking it . Ok so use it for edibles or butter ... nope cause u will wake up with a blinding headache . So if you want a good clean tasty smoke then flush 2 weeks for soil and 1 week hydro .