Episode 165: Boosting Yields 50% with a 13-Hour Photoperiod? Debunking Cannabis Science with Dr. Youbin Zheng

Episode 165: Boosting Yields 50% with a 13-Hour Photoperiod? Debunking Cannabis Science with Dr. Youbin Zheng

Author: Tad Hussey May 19, 2026 Duration: 1:06:44
Can a simple 1-hour change to your lighting schedule increase your flower yields by 50% and your THC by 9%? On this week’s episode of the Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast, host Tad Hussey sits down with leading horticulture professor Dr. Youbin Zheng from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. Dr. Zheng is a principal investigator at the absolute forefront of high-THC cannabis agronomy and the author of the definitive textbook, Handbook of Cannabis Production in Controlled Environments. Drawing directly from peer-reviewed data conducted inside commercial licensed facilities, Tad and Dr. Zheng smash some of the industry’s most deeply rooted legacy myths. They dive into why heavy phosphorus feeding is reducing your profits, the surprising truth about how modern high-THC genetics react to supplemental UV light, and the exact science behind using controlled deficit irrigation to trigger a late-flower cannabinoid spike. Whether you are managing a large-scale commercial facility or navigating a boutique organic living soil bed, Dr. Zheng’s pragmatic, data-first approach offers actionable insights to dramatically optimize your canopy’s ROI.

Tad Hussey, founder of KIS Organics, hosts the Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast, a deep and practical resource for anyone serious about growing plants organically. Rather than offering quick tips, Tad builds each conversation on a foundation of verifiable science, breaking down complex soil biology, plant physiology, and sustainable methods into understandable segments. He regularly brings in leading researchers, agronomists, and seasoned cultivators, creating a unique space where academic knowledge meets real-world, hands-on experience. You'll hear detailed discussions on everything from microbial inoculants and nutrient cycling to the nuances of light spectra and water quality, all through the lens of organic stewardship. This podcast is for gardeners, hobbyists, and professionals who are curious about the "why" behind their practices and want to move beyond conventional growing advice. It’s a thoughtful exploration of how to work with natural systems to cultivate healthier plants, focusing on foundational principles that apply broadly while delving specifically into cannabis cultivation. The dialogue is always evidence-based, cutting through industry trends to examine what truly works, making it an essential listen for those who believe that the best cultivation starts with understanding the science in the soil.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 161: The Secret Lives of Pathogens with Dr. Zamir Punja [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:31
In this episode, Tad Hussey sits down with the "Godfather of Cannabis Pathology," Dr. Zamir Punja, Professor of Plant Pathology and Biotechnology at Simon Fraser University. Dr. Punja shares groundbreaking research from…