Is River Water Good to Use on Marijuana Plants?

Marijuana plants require precise care and nutrition to grow and produce healthy yields. Water is one of the most important elements in the plant's growth process, and as such, gardeners must decide on the best sources of water. River water is one option for marijuana growers, but is it a good idea? In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of using river water for marijuana plants.

Pros of Using River Water on Marijuana Plants

One of the main advantages of using river water for marijuana plants is that it is free of charge. Since rivers are public resources or privately owned and not controlled by water companies, growers can access the water for free. Moreover, river water is usually rich in minerals and nutrients, due to the sediment it carries within. This makes it automatically organic, which can benefit the health of the marijuana plants.

River water also cools down the temperature of the plants, which is vital for their survival. By reducing the temperature of the water used for irrigation, growers reduce the heat stress marijuana plants may experience, leading to a better crop productivity. Additionally, growing cannabis plants with river water can promote the health of the local eco-system as it leads to increased water permeability in the soil surrounding the river due to the high rate of infiltration of the water.

Cons of Using River Water on Marijuana Plants

While river water can benefit marijuana plants by providing free, nutrient-rich, and organic water that also cools down the temperature of the plants, there are some disadvantages to consider. One disadvantage of using river water is that it can contain pollutants and chemicals that are harmful to the plants. Runoff from agricultural practices, mining activities, and households usually flow into rivers, which can cause water pollution. This can harm the plants' growth and yield.

Another disadvantage of using river water for marijuana plants is that it's not consistent in terms of quality. The sediment and mineral composition in the water can vary depending on the river and the season. Inconsistent water quality can lead to under or overfeeding of the plants and the possibility of plants receiving a nutrient overdose. Moreover, using untreated water from the river may introduce dangerous pathogens, such as E.coli and Salmonella, that can cause damage to the crops.

The Conclusion: Should You Use River Water for Marijuana Plants?

While using river water may seem like an attractive option at first, growers need to weigh the pros and cons of this approach. If the river water is polluted or inconsistent in quality, then it may end up doing more harm than good to the marijuana plants. Furthermore, growers should perform stringent checks on the river water quality, making sure it's safe to use on plants before using it.

In conclusion, the use of river water for marijuana plants is a case-by-case decision. It is ultimately up to the grower to weigh the pros and cons of using river water and decide whether it is a viable option for the success of the plants.