I intend to take a different approach to feeding this season. I'm done with using whole nutrient lines and additives. Instead I intend to use an independent organic source for N, P, and K separately from each other (well mostly separate anyways). Such as seaweed (or a fish/seaweed blend) for N. High Phos guano for P. And an organic K boost for K. Allow me to explain my theory/hypothesis/plan...
All auto strains are different and are unique in both time needed from seed to harvest as well as nutritional needs. The best feeding approach involves observing the plants and giving them what they want. However outdoors in rich healthy soil there is usually always available NPK in the soil beyond what nutes are "fed" to the plant. This experimental feeding regimen will only focus on what I feed with and will place little importance on what is in the soil itself (rich organic matter, but not a standalone "supersoil")
With that said I'm going to use a general 9 week timeframe/plan. The nine weeks will be broken down into 3 trimesters of 3 weeks each as a rough guide. There will be an emphasis on either N, P, or K depending upon what trimester the plant is in. For example, trimester 1 will focus on N. During tri 2, N will be phased out while P is gradually introduced, peaking at the end of tri 2 (peak flowering). During tri 3, P will be phased out while K is gradually introduced, peaking at the end of tri 3. All time frames are relative depending on if the plant is actually showing signs of progression and readiness to start the next trimester. For example, if at the end of week 6 (generic 'end' of tri 2) the plant has not started to slow it's pace of new pistil and bud site formation, then the feeding regimen for week 6 may be repeated another week before advancing to the feeding regimen for tri 3.
Perhaps it may be easier to understand with a sample hypothetical feeding schedule. One letter indicates the introduction of a particular nutrient, while three letters indicates peak feeding emphasis for a particular nutrient...
TRIMESTER 1
week 1: N
week 2: NN
week 3:NNN
Confirmation for advancing to tri 2: Typical signs of pre-flower such beginnings of stretch, node growth, and possibly even a pistil or two. Once these signs are observed trimester 2 may begin.
TRIMESTER 2
week 4: NN(N, if needed)/ P
week 5: N(N, if needed)/ PP
week 6: N/ PPP
The end of tri 2 culminates with peak flowering. By this point, N is really not needed...and it's eventual absence will help to produce denser buds as opposed to leafy, fluffy buds.
Confirmation for advancing to tri 3: New pistil formation has noticeably slowed, maximum height is achieved (or nearly achieved), no new bud sites, stretch has all but stopped completely. If the plant does not appear to have started "slowing down" yet in its flowering, then the feeding for "week 6" may be repeated until the plant shows signs of being ready to advance to tri 3.
TRIMESTER 3
week 7: PP/ K
week 8: P/ KK
week 9: KKK
Trimester 3 ends with a heavy emphasis on K to maximize oil/resin production, overall bouquet (aroma/taste), and to pack on final weight. Once the plant appears to be within 7-10 days from harvest, all feeding is stopped and flushing may begin.
Ironically, a lot of "complete nutrient lines" take a similar approach as far as which nutrient (N, P, or K) is emphasized during which stage (week) of growth. They just don't typically bother to explain why... Pretty labels and cool names are easier to sell. As are some kind of magical, non-descript "bud booster", as opposed to trying to sell a plain, white, self explaining bottle of "high potash fertilizer."
Just my opinion/thoughts
Peace,
Shadowbuck
