How to improve terpene profiles with crop steering data

Crop steering for cannabis strain terpene profiles

As an industry, we’re just starting to understand all the ways crop steering can be used in cannabis terpene analysis for individual strains. Even without a lot of tech, cultivators can begin implementing new techniques right now to boost terpene profiles for different strains. All it takes is data. For example, if you want to grow Wedding Cake and boost its primary terpene, limonene, start by learning what that cultivar likes and collecting data like stem diameter and plant height. Sensors can also help you get precise measurements of lighting and root zone, which will give you insights about terpene profiles by strain, straight from the plant itself. Document progress via crop registration during and after each run, so you can hone in on techniques that work.

Temperature is one crop steering technique that can boost terpenes. During the last week of flower, dropping air temperature by 5-10 degrees can increase oil production because it signals to the plant that winter is coming, causing it to produce its essential oils now. This is why tracking your grow room’s environment matters, and a climate station can help.

Terpene-tailored nutrient blends are also helpful. Overall, analysis of terpenes in cannabis is easier when you have a platform to collect and analyze data. Of course, every cultivar is different, which is why it’s important to have both real-time and historical data to be able to lean on to make your crop steering decisions.

Another factor to monitor closely is lighting level, which can be measured by a light reader or sensor that measures PPFD.

After documenting data and doing proper crop registration, the next step is making goals for your plants. Where do you need to fine-tune? What techniques can you tweak? What about your Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)? Based on what you’ve learned, set new benchmarks for each strain and every growth phase. If you’re already familiar with a specific cultivar, you can use data to tighten up what you’re doing and continuously improve, run over run.

Another benefit of having data at your fingertips is insight into ROI. Data can help you spot which strains grow well together, learn which genetics consume too many resources, and find what’s working.

Data-driven cannabis terpene analysis

Documenting progress is essential, but doesn’t have to be hard. Growers who adopt technology and software to help them gather, analyze, and act on data can make more informed decisions when crop steering to boost terpenes. These tools, combined with legacy knowledge and a passion for the plant, can make all the difference.

Want more info about steering crops for specific terpene profiles? Check out episode 55 of AROYA’s Office Hours Live podcast.

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