Most cannabis growers spend all their "grow sessions" with the outside of the plant. But what about the inner workings, as we make our way down into the soil to understand microbes and why they are important for cannabis growth and health. Luckily microbes in this fashion are actually beneficial to cannabis plants. They influence cannabis profiles, breakdown nutrients for the rootzone, inhibits potential diseases, and protects plants from harmful pathogens.
My first experience with microbes came with a lesson for feeding my microbes in the rootzone. The "master grower" or whatever you want to call them, put me on to an additive that would help my roots and plant uptake the nutrients I was feeding it better. I was skeptical, but I also was fairly new to growing bud. He suggested that I try sprinkling a little of the super-charged additive on a few plants and compare those few to the rest of the crop. After 2 watering days and 2 feedings in a weeks time, the entire crop looked normal. Green leaves were there a few with minor deficiencies but the plants who had gotten a sprinkle of humic acid were vibrating with life and spreading out much wider than the rest. I was then hooked on being aware of the microbial activity in every crop and started to care about how I feed the rhizosphere.
What are microbes in weed plants?
When it comes to the world of plants, much attention is usually given to their growth, appearance, and the active compounds they produce. However, beneath the surface of every weed plant lies a fascinating ecosystem of microorganisms known as microbes. These tiny organisms, invisible to the naked eye, play crucial roles in the development, health, and overall well-being of weed plants.
Let's get into the world of microbes and explore their significance in the context of growing weed.
The Rhizosphere: A Microbial Haven
Microbes, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, are present in nearly every environment, and the cannabis plant is no exception. In fact, the weed plant provides a hospitable environment for a diverse array of microbes to thrive. The plant's root system creates a microcosm of microbial activity, commonly referred to as the rhizosphere.
This area, rich in organic matter, acts as a magnet for beneficial microorganisms.
Nutrient Cycling: A Symbiotic Relationship
One of the key functions of microbes in weed plants is their role in nutrient cycling. Certain bacteria and fungi engage in a symbiotic relationship with the plant's roots, forming mycorrhizal associations. These associations enhance the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil, especially phosphorus and nitrogen. In return, the plant supplies the microbes with carbohydrates found in additives such as black strap molasses or Advanced Nutrients Bud Candy, creating a mutually beneficial exchange.
Microbes as Biocontrol Agents
Microbes also contribute to the overall health of weed plants by protecting them against harmful pathogens. Some bacteria and fungi act as biocontrol agents, inhibiting the growth of disease-causing organisms.
They achieve this by competing for resources, producing antimicrobial compounds, or inducing systemic resistance in the plant. The presence of these beneficial microbes can lead to healthier, more resilient weed plants, less susceptible to infections.
Decomposition and Nutrient Recycling
Furthermore, microbes play a pivotal role in the decomposition of organic matter, a process known as decomposition or mineralization. Dead plant material, such as fallen leaves or decaying roots, serve as a source of nutrients for microbes. As they break down these organic compounds, they release essential elements back into the soil, making them available for uptake by the weed plants. This nutrient recycling system ensures the sustainability of the ecosystem and contributes to the overall fertility of the soil.
Microbes and Secondary Metabolites
The microbiome of weed plants is also implicated in the production of secondary metabolites, including cannabinoids and terpenes. Research has shown that specific microbial species or groups can influence the expression of genes involved in the synthesis of these compounds. For instance, certain bacteria have been found to enhance the production of cannabinoids, resulting in higher potency strains. This discovery opens up possibilities for manipulating microbial communities to optimize the chemical profile of weed plants.
Maintaining a Healthy Microbiome
Despite the numerous benefits of microbes, it is essential to maintain a balanced and diverse microbial community. Imbalances or the introduction of harmful pathogens can lead to disease outbreaks and negatively impact the plant's health. Cultivators employ various strategies to promote a healthy microbiome, such as using organic fertilizers, compost teas, or probiotics specifically designed for plants.
How To Make Your Cannabis Plants Look Like "Brazilian Nut Trees". With These Additives That Will Have Your Plants Producing Massive Buds And Looking Healthier Than Ever Before
It's just a matter of combining soil conditioner with your regular feeding or water schedule every 6-8 weeks. You don't want to over do it and causes more problems than you can handle. Plus every one of these additives has a label with instructions for proper use, this blog is in my opinion so take it and run with it or leave it standing for the next person.
The Additives That "Blitz" The Rootzone For an Effective Grow Session
Fish Sh!t: Fish sh!t makes cannabis plants healthier, taste and smell better and it improves plant health, growth and production. It provides a complex Microbial profile including different bacteria, fungi and protozoa which i as close to a natural ecosystem as humanly possible. It also increases plant production by up to 20%. Can be used for organic farming, soil or soilless and hydroponic gardening. Fish Sh!t helps release essential oils and terpenes contributing to building the myriad of flavonoids. Flavonoids play a key role developing aromas and tasteful flavors of plants and fruits.
King Crab: The King Crab Liquid Beneficial Bacteria includes phosphorus solubilizing bacteria, which unlock and convert bound phosphorus (P) into an accessible form, ensuring your hydroponic OR plants in soil receive a readily available supply of this essential nutrient for optimal growth and development. It also aids in breaking down organic matter, releasing essential nutrients that would otherwise remain unavailable to plants. By improving nutrient uptake, it maximizes the efficiency of fertilizers and reduces the need for synthetic additives, resulting in healthier, more vibrant plants
With ReCharge you can grow stronger, healthier plants, with denser root systems and bigger crop yields. Loaded with Mycorrhizae, Trichoderma, and billions of other beneficial soil microbes, ReCharge works great for indoor and outdoor gardens. Use it on all your plants, crops, and trees; perennials and annuals. It will also provide a pH buffer for your roots and helps prevent Nutrient Lockout. ReCharge claims to NEVER Burn Your Plants. I'll be next to test that theory.
Mammoth P: ORGANICALLY DERIVED MICROBIAL INOCULANT: Utilizing natural beneficial soil bacteria and microorganisms to liberate phosphorus and plant nutrients. This results in more efficient use of fertilizer and soil nutrients by plants to maximize bud growth, increase yield, and enhance plant health. Contains Beneficial bacteria that act like micro bioreactors! Live microbes release bound phosphorus in soil and other growing media 30x better than the average soil and continually produce enzymes that release nutrients reducing the need for a separate enzyme additive. Mammoth P microbial bio-stimulant that unlocks and converts phosphorus into soluble forms for plants to easily take up through their roots. Increased levels of phosphorus keep internodes shorter and focuses energy on bud production. 16% increased average yield. 6% increased stem strength.
Worm Casting: Worm casting such as Wiggle Worm Pure Worm Castings contain tiny, football-shaped particles that prevent packing to help improve plant soil aeration. Our soil supplement also helps improve the root’s water retention capacity. Aside from providing nutrients to the soil, Wiggle Worm Pure Worm Castings can also help control the population of plant pests such as whiteflies, spider mites, and aphids.
Mycorrhizal Fungi: Enables explosive root growth, increased yields, increased fruiting and flowering, increased nutrient and water absorption. Mycorrhizae like Great White increases water uptake and the overall absorption area of the root system, resulting in a healthier plant
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