Organic (Living) Soil for Cannabis Plants

No matter how practical the substrates are, plants feel best in natural or as close to natural conditions as possible. One important element for their organization is organic cannabis soil. It contains beneficial mushrooms and bacteria. They break down organic substances into nutrients that are easily absorbed by the root system of plants. In this case, living soil for cannabis grown indoors or soil for marijuana grown outdoors is free of pests and unwanted substances.

Pros and cons of living soil for cannabis

Among the advantages are the following:

• possibility to replenish after harvest, use several times;
• peat for marijuana provides a rich aroma of buds and excellent taste of the finished product;
• if the container has a sufficiently large volume, there is no need to add mineral fertilizers, since nutrients are constantly synthesized in the soil;
• the ability to obtain an organic product without the use of bottled additives.

Among the disadvantages, one can note a small number of manufacturers who supply such soil to the market, including soil for autoflowering, which reflects at a cost that is significantly higher than a standard soil mixture.

What is living soil made of

Each manufacturer selects different proportions, but uses almost the same components, including:

• moss;
• compost;
• peat;
• fish meal;
• bone meal;
• bat guano;
• mushrooms;
• beneficial bacteria;
• seaweed;
• seaweed extracts.

Some growers add rock dust, dolomite lime and other materials to provide plants with important elements such as calcium and magnesium. The ratios of various ingredients vary from company to company, which significantly expands the ability to choose the optimal option.

Differences between living soil and fertilizing plants

When growing cannabis plants using traditional methods, the emphasis is on allowing the root system to absorb various nutrients as long as the pH and temperature are within certain limits. For example, for hydroponics, nutrient mixtures contain all the essential minerals, such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and others, which plants need for full photosynthesis and the creation of new biomass. In contrast, all the nutrients necessary for plant development are constantly produced by fungi, beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms. As a result, micro- and macroelements are continuously formed in the soil, which enter the plant through the root system.

Organic soil, made by yourself

Of course, most growers prefer to use the services of professionals. But there are also those who want to prepare the soil for cannabis with their own hands. This takes some time and some effort. Be prepared to spend several hours on the Internet, looking through recipes from different experts and searching for the right ingredients. You can also collect and grow some of the ingredients yourself.

Do cannabis plants that grow in living soil need to be watered?

Regular watering is needed to not only prevent the soil from drying out, but also the possible loss of beneficial bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms. Of course, watering is also necessary for plants. Adding traditional nutrients may not be necessary if the growing container is of sufficient size. However, many who use living soil sometimes make their own nutrient solution.

Who is living soil best for?

Beginners in growing can be advised to use traditional, less expensive growing substrates. Once the basic skills are acquired, a grower can expect to get a greater return on their investment in living soil and avoid making rookie mistakes. This ensures vigorous and healthy plant development without the need for additional fertilizers.

To all that has been written, it should be added that in Ukraine the cultivation of hemp is prohibited by law. This text should be taken for informational purposes only.