Living soil is a growing medium that contains healthy microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, protozoa, arthropods and nematodes. These microorganisms decompose dead materials in the soil, convert them to nutrients the plant needs (like nitrogen), and distribute them throughout the soil. This makes it easier for the plant’s root system to absorb the nutrients.

In turn, the microorganisms feed off of the carbon and sugars released through the plant’s root system as a byproduct of its photosynthesis. This symbiotic relationship is called “nutrient cycling,” a sort of mutually-beneficial exchange between plants and microbes. 

Benefits of Living Soil for Cannabis Cultivation

Living soil provides an ecosystem that supports the growth of healthier plants with higher yields and better flower in perpetuity. For cannabis cultivators, growing with living soil leverages the power of nutrient cycling to save money and grow healthier plants.

• Improved Nutrient Absorption: Living soil supports the growth of healthier tap and feeder roots, enabling the plant to absorb nutrients more efficiently. Nutrient cycling also means a cannabis plant in living soil does not need synthetic fertilizers and nutrients, removing a significant expense for cultivators.
• Healthier Plants: Plants in living soil are more resistant to pathogens, reducing the risk that disease takes hold and ruins a grow. Additionally, plants in living soil can more effectively ward off pests, eliminating the need to purchase pesticides. This is particularly advantageous in states where the use of pesticides is banned.
• Higher Quality Flower: Cannabis plants in living soil produce flower with higher levels of cannabinoids and terpenes. More potent flower with diverse cannabinoid and terpene profiles could help drive consumer satisfaction and sales revenue while establishing a brand reputation for quality.
• Reduced Water Consumption: Growing cannabis in living soil requires less water, as living soil retains more moisture and makes for more efficient feeding. Less watering improves aeration, reduces erosion, conserves natural resources, and reduces the chances of root rot and mold.
• Eliminates Flushing Pre-harvest: There is no need to flush living soil before harvesting a plant because there are no synthetic fertilizers or nutrients present in it. Eliminating this step saves time, money, and reduces last-minute stress on the plant.

The end result of successfully growing cannabis with living soil is reduced waste, higher quality cannabis, and improved profit margins. But successfully growing with living soil means building it from the ground up and preserving the ecosystem once it is established.