Sorry I'm late to the party. I'm a first time grower and fast approaching the final 2 weeks of flower. I've read this thread with great interest. It seems there are two angles to this debate. One is that stressing the plants at the end of flower will increase yield. The other is that water feeding will remove excess elements that can negatively affect burn and taste. Regarding yield, how much of a difference would a plain-water regimen over the last 7-10 days really make in bud production? It seems that's a pretty short amount of time to gain any appreciable variance.
To the latter point, I lean toward the hypothesis that a final 7-10 days of plain-water feeding puts the plants under stress that could adversely affect the final product. Wouldn't the plants be forced to manage nutrient deficiencies during a crucial phase of their cycle, to their detriment? I also wonder if significant differences in the amount of dissolved nutrients in the root-zone might stress the roots to the point of physical damage. Also, many immobile elements, like calcium, iron and sulfur may no longer be available to perform their specific functions.
As others have suggested, the answer to the bad burn/harsh taste may be in the proper drying and curing of the harvest.
Am I going to bet the farm on any of this? Uh, no. : ) I think a gradual draw-down of nutrient forces may be in order, with plain water for the last one or two waterings. And a very proper, by the book, dry and cure...
BTW, I've hit many forum sites since the beginning of this first grow and am very impressed with the level of discussion and assistance provided by the members of thcfarmer.
thnx
phil
