1. In what ways is soilless growing media crucial to cannabis production?
Unlike hydroponic systems that are soilless and contain inert materials, soilless growing media provides four basic functions to grow plants: Anchorage for the plant, a water reservoir, nutrient holding and exchange systems, and a porous structure for the exchange of gases in the root zone.
Growing media has an organic base that holds nutrients and reduces pH and nutrient fluctuations during the crop cycle. Organic matter also provides an excellent base to hold beneficial microorganisms that benefit crop production. Predictable, reliable growing allows growers to achieve the best results from crop to crop.
2. What are some of the best characteristics I should consider for my growing mix?
For the chemical characteristics, you need to consider the starting EC – a measurement of nutritive mineral contents – as well as starting pH and incubated pH to know where the pH will be after the growing medium is in use. For the physical characteristics, consider water holding capacity, air porosity, and bulk density. There is also consistency, reproducibility, and added value components such as mycorrhizae and biocontrols. Price is important, too, but growers need to evaluate what they are getting for their money.
3. In what ways is peat moss most beneficial for cannabis?
There are many organic-based ingredients that can be used for formulating growing media, including composted bark, coconut coir, wood fiber, and Sphagnum peat moss. With the exception of peat moss, all of these are rarely used alone. Why? Composted bark is dense and heavy, coconut coir must be thoroughly washed, and wood fiber contains organic compounds.
Meanwhile, Sphagnum peat moss is a natural fiber that is low in pH and nutrient content. It has been used by horticulturists for more than 100 years because of its water-holding capacity, fibrous structure, low nutrient content, and absence of any contaminants. It is also the ideal organic material to add biological beneficial microbes such as mycorrhizae and bacillus.
4. What are active ingredients and how are they beneficial for cannabis?
Active ingredients are biological living microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi, or their byproducts that are used to enhance plant growth and reduce pathogens. They can include bacteria, fungi, and streptomyces, and are generally categorized as either biostimulants or biofungicides.
Biostimulants are added to the plant root zone to promote faster rooting and enhance plant growth, compared to biofungicides, which reduce root diseases. Some biofungicides can also reduce incidence of foliar diseases. Overall, active ingredients improve the overall health, production and quality of cannabis plants.
5. Can you share some additional nutrition tips and how these are important to enhance the flavor and taste of cannabis flowers?
First, it is not the nutrients that enhance flavor and taste; it is the plant growing to its genetic potential. As a grower, you must supply the right environment and relative humidity along with the correct lighting, temperature, water quality, and nutrients.
Additionally, it is important to maintain proper pH in the root zone so that all nutrients are at their most available state (5.8-6.2 pH). Growing media pH is driven by alkalinity of water, the potential acidity, or basicity of fertilizers and the rate of fertilizer application. Mycorrhizae can help acquire water and nutrients for cannabis plants, improving overall growth and helping plants reach their genetic potential.
