Environmental Control for the Win! (Temperature)

To say that environmental control is not taken as seriously as it should, would be an understatement. In fact, it is by far the most commonly seen oversight at most of the operations we visit and can have one of the greatest impacts on crop growth, yield, and quality. In this series of articles we will explain the importance of managing your cultivation environment. Part 1 of this series will be all about the importance of maintaining optimal temperatures in your grow environment and will help to highlight what to consider and track in order to gain a greater understanding of your environment as a whole. With this knowledge and consideration, you will be well on your way to running a consistent, profitable, and scalable business.

Temperature: Temperature directly affects almost all of your plants functions. Photosynthesis, transpiration, respiration, germination, root health/nutrient uptake, yield, and quality are all affected by either air, soil, or water temperature. Here's how:

Photosynthesis- Photosynthesis is an enzyme controlled reaction. This means that the chemical reactions involved are controlled by enzymes and temperature has a great effect on them. If the temperature is too low, the rate of photosynthesis is slowed by a decrease in collisions between enzymes and the substrate. If the temperature is too high, the structure and function of enzymes become altered and in turn decreases the rate of photosynthesis.

Transpiration- Transpiration is controlled by the opening and closing of the plant’s stomata. Warmer temperatures trigger the plant to open these stomata. The higher the temperature, the higher the rate of transpiration. Too much transpiration can cause a temporary wilting of your leaves, otherwise known as water deficit. If the heat issue is left unresolved it will eventually become irreversible and cause your plant to die. Whether temporary or long term, excessive transpiration will stunt the growth of your crop and lead to smaller yields.

Respiration- Plant respiration is the process in which the plant uses oxygen and glucose (produced during photosynthesis) to create energy used for plant growth. Much like transpiration, there is a direct correlation between temperature and plant respiration. When temperatures are too cold, respiration slows down until it comes to a complete stop at freezing temperatures. Respiration will increase as the temperature increases, however when temperatures are too high it will result in tissue deterioration and eventually death.

Germination- Cannabis seeds will germinate in temperatures between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit, with an ideal temperature of 78 degrees. Temperatures outside of this range will not germinate and seeds can become permanently damaged in extreme temperatures.

Root Health/Nutrient Uptake- Soil temperatures have a direct affect on water and nutrient uptake as well as root growth. The ideal soil temperature for cannabis is between 65F and 76F.

Yield- It is important to understand that each one of the aspects listed above can have a direct impact on your yield and temperature influences them all. Therefore, maintaining the optimal temperature in your environment is critical to making the most of your crop.

Some indicators that the temperature in your grow environment is too high are elongated buds with a decrease in density, wilting or drooping, burnt leaf tips or upward curling, yellowing and brown spots, and excessively long stems.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series where we'll dive further into more environmental aspects and how they affect your yield and quality.

-Nate Tilley, Senior Cultivation Specialist

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