The Role of Fertilizers in the Growth and Alkaloid Production of Lophophora williamsii

In nature, Lophophora williamsii receives nutrients primarily from the soil of its semi-desert habitat. It grows in arid areas of Mexico and Texas, where the soil is generally nutrient-poor. The natural nourishment of these plants comes from several sources:
• Decomposition of plants and animals: decomposed organic materials such as leaves, wood, insects, feces, and animal carcasses release essential nutrients that are absorbed by the cactus’ roots. This process enriches the soil with nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are crucial for the plant’s growth and health.
• Soil minerals: semi-desert soil contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth. Semi-desert rains help dissolve these minerals in the soil, making them more accessible to plants. Rainwater can also carry dissolved nutrients from other areas.
• Symbiotic associations: some semi-desert plants, including Lophophora, can form symbiotic associations with mycorrhizal fungi and bacteria, which help increase nutrient absorption through the roots. These mechanisms allow Lophophora williamsii to survive and thrive in extremely harsh environments, obtaining fertilization from the natural habitat.
Potted plants require balanced amounts of fertilizer, as without external input, they cannot find sufficient nourishment as they would in their natural environment. Many advise against using fertilizers to achieve more “natural” plants, but in reality, what is unnatural is keeping them in a pot, where they have access only to the limited soil that is constantly washed away by watering. Often, this soil is not even suitable, lacking certain substances and being excessive in others, leading to imbalances. An adequate fertilizer can correct these imbalances.
But what is the role of fertilizers in the growth and alkaloid production of Lophophora? Is it true that by applying fertilizers, the alkaloid content decreases, making the plants weaker and more swollen?

The use of fertilizers can indeed affect alkaloid production in Lophophora williamsii. Nitrogen is crucial as it is a key component of amino acids, which are precursors to alkaloids. An increase in nitrogen can stimulate the production of these compounds. Potassium is also important, as it helps regulate water and activate enzymes, improving the plant’s overall health and promoting the production of secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids. Additionally, micronutrients like iron, magnesium, and phosphorus are essential for alkaloid synthesis. An optimal balance of these nutrients supports alkaloid production.

Thus, appropriate fertilization with nitrogen, potassium, and other micronutrients can increase alkaloid production in Lophophora williamsii, but it is important to find the right balance to avoid abiotic stress.

Will more nitrogen-based fertilizer lead to higher alkaloid production? Excess nitrogen can have complex effects. When a plant receives too much nitrogen, it tends to grow quickly, developing more succulent, water-rich tissues. This can lead to excessive vegetative growth, but not necessarily an increase in alkaloids. Excess nitrogen can disrupt the plant’s metabolism, reducing the synthesis of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids. Moreover, water accumulation in the tissues can dilute the concentration of alkaloids, reducing their relative amount. So, while an adequate nitrogen supply is essential, too much nitrogen can reduce alkaloid concentration and compromise the plant’s overall health.

And if I applied more potassium to increase alkaloid production? An excess of potassium can interfere with the absorption of other essential nutrients such as magnesium, manganese, zinc, and iron. This can cause deficiencies in these micronutrients, which are fundamental for various metabolic processes, including alkaloid synthesis. Additionally, excess potassium can alter the plant’s osmotic balance, causing abiotic stress that may reduce the production of secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids. The cactus tissues might show signs of nutritional imbalance, such as changes in color or texture. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain an appropriate balance to avoid negative effects.

What is the right dosage of fertilizer for Lophophora? A good NPK fertilizer to promote natural growth, resilience, and alkaloid production is NPK(Mg) 8-16-24+(4) + Micronutrients.
In the fertilizer NPK(Mg) 8-16-24+(4) + Micronutrients, the percentages indicate the relative amount of each nutrient:
• Nitrogen (N): 8% – Low
• Phosphorus (P): 16% – Medium
• Potassium (K): 24% – High
• Magnesium (Mg): 4%
This formulation is designed to provide a balanced supply of nutrients, with particular emphasis on potassium, which is essential for water regulation, disease resistance, and the overall quality of the plant. Phosphorus supports root development and flowering, while nitrogen, though present in smaller amounts, is crucial for vegetative growth, chlorophyll production, and alkaloid synthesis. Magnesium is essential for photosynthesis and chlorophyll formation.

Why do cultivated and fertilized plants often appear swollen and glossy green? This could be due to an excess of nitrogen, which accelerates growth. However, even with adequate fertilizers, plants may appear swollen due to growing conditions, such as a lack of direct sunlight. Sunlight is essential for these plants, as it helps keep them healthy, regulating alkaloid production and making them more resilient.

Alkaloids make these plants stronger, improving their resistance to diseases, fungal attacks, and animals. Some studies have shown that alkaloids have antimicrobial and antifungal properties, helping plants defend against infections. Additionally, alkaloids improve resistance to harsh environmental conditions such as drought, sun, and cold. A plant with good alkaloid production will generally be healthier and more robust.

In conclusion, proper fertilization of Lophophora williamsii is crucial not only for the plant’s growth and overall health but also for alkaloid production, which is essential for strengthening the plant’s resistance to diseases, pests, and adverse environmental conditions. An optimal balance of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, potassium, and micronutrients, is essential to optimize alkaloid production without causing abiotic stress. Proper fertilization supports both growth and alkaloid production, ensuring a healthy and resilient plant.

~ Lophophora Identification Guide, 2023