Choosing the right soil type for your cannabis grow can be a major factor in how well your plants will grow. Depending on the type of soil you choose, it may need some extra help from soil amendments and biostimulants.
Soil can be made of different types of sand, silt, clay, and loam. Each has its own benefits. Generally, the best soil for cannabis is loam. It provides a balance between drainage, water retention, and nutrients.
Soil Types
Soil is a key part of the cannabis growing process. Not only is it the medium in which plants grow, but it also provides nutrients and water to the roots of your plant. The soil you choose will impact the quality of your results and overall harvest.
Soils come in a range of different types, from sandy to clay. Each of these is suited to specific needs, but all are equally important.
Sandy soils are coarse and have good drainage, but they tend to have poor water retention, so nutrients such as nitrogen will be quickly washed away if you try and water them. Adding organic matter to the mix can improve this by providing more nutrients, especially in the first few weeks of growth.
Silty soils are medium-coarse soils that contain a mixture of minerals and organic particles. These soils have excellent water retention and adequate drainage, and are also easy to work with.
The best soils for cannabis are those that have a balance of water retention, drainage, pH, and texture. These factors determine the ability of your soil to support the growth of your plants and allow them to produce healthy buds.
For instance, a heavy soil like clay can be difficult to work with, but can provide an abundance of nutrients and a high-quality plant. Alternatively, a light-textured soil can help your plants develop their roots faster and avoid overwatering.
The ideal combination of these factors can be achieved by using a loamy soil mix that includes a balance of sand, silt, and clay. Loam soils are one of the most popular types of cannabis soil due to their ideal balance of water retention, drainage, and nutrients.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen (N) is one of the three primary plant nutrients that cannabis plants need. It shares this role with phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).
Normally found in the form of a gas, nitrogen is colourless, smellless and inert. It is used by many living organisms, including plants and animals.
When it is added to soil, nitrogen can be fixed by bacteria. These bacteria attach themselves to the roots of plants and have a symbiotic relationship with them. The bacteria use energy from photosynthesis to fix the nitrogen into a form that the plant can use.
In this form, it is then absorbed into the plant and can be utilised for growth and development. This process is known as nitrification.
It is the most common form of nitrogen to be absorbed by plants, with the amount being determined by the plant’s metabolism and growing needs. The resulting chemical is called ammonia.
A nitrogen deficiency is a common problem for many growers, especially those working with strains that require high levels of this nutrient to thrive in their growing environment. When a nitrogen deficiency occurs, it usually first shows up on older leaves at the bottom of the plant.
To combat this, many growers choose to feed their plants with a specialised NPK fertiliser that has the right ratios for each stage of their growth cycle. These products typically contain the correct amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for each stage of the grow.
Phosphorus
The impact of different soil types on cannabis growth is important, whether you’re growing outdoors or indoors. A good quality soil will ensure that your plants have the water, light, and nutrients they need to grow healthy.
When selecting a soil for your marijuana garden, you’ll want to consider the texture of the soil, its pH, and water retention and drainage. The best soil for cannabis will have a mix of sand, silt, and clay that strikes a balance between these factors.
Sandy soil is a popular choice amongst cannabis growers because it is loose, allowing for better aeration and drainage. Its low pH is also helpful for acidophilic crops like cannabis.
Silty soil is a medium-coarse, fertile type of soil that’s rich in minerals and organic particles. It has a good water retention and drainage, and it’s easy to work with.
Another popular soil type for cannabis is loam, a mixture of sand, silt, clay, and organic materials. It’s a good option for beginners as it’s easy to manage and can produce high-quality harvests.
Soil is one of the most critical elements in a cannabis garden, as it can make or break your grow. The type of soil you choose will have an impact on your cannabis crop’s health, yield, and appearance.
Phosphorus is a nutrient that the body uses to help maintain bone and tooth health. It can also be found in foods, as well as in many prescription drugs and over-the-counter products.
Because phosphorus can cause problems in the body, it is recommended that you avoid excess dietary phosphates. Your doctor may recommend a phosphate binder medication to control the amount of phosphorus you take in. However, these medications only help a little and you should still limit your dietary intake of phosphorus.
Potash
Potassium is one of the major nutrients that plants require for healthy growth. It helps flowers and fruits form and strengthens the plant’s resistance to pests and diseases. It also protects the plant from extreme cold or dry weather.
In the soil, potassium ions are available as a natural source for the plant. They are needed to make a variety of chemical compounds, including carbohydrates and proteins, which are essential for the plant’s growth and development.
There are several potassium fertilizers to choose from. Many of them are made from mixtures of minerals mined from underground deposits. Others are derived from marine salts deposited when ancient seas evaporated millions of years ago.
The best potassium fertilizer sources for cannabis are usually the ones that can be produced by using naturally occurring brines and salt mixtures. Companies such as Compass Minerals International (NYSE:CMP), which has operations in Overland Park, Kansas, and Chile’s SQM, which operates in the Salar de Atacama, are able to produce these types of potash fertilizers from natural brines.
Another type of potash that is used in agriculture is sulfate of potassium (SOP). This is a common form of potash that is used for a wide range of commercial crops and can be diluted with water for use on a variety of non-food products like rubber and cotton.
Another specialty form of potash is molybdenum phosphorus potash (MOP). This is a blend of potassium chloride and sulfate of potassium and can be used for a wide range of crops that are chlorine sensitive. It is most commonly deployed to increase soil health and aid in disease resistance for crops such as sugar beets, corn, celery and Swiss chard.
Carbon
Cannabis growers are always looking for the best soil mix to grow their crop. Ideally it should contain a good balance of all essential nutrients to provide a healthy, balanced environment for your plants. It should also have a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5 which is slightly acidic so the plant’s roots can take up the nutrients they need to grow.
Carbon plays a key role in regulating soil chemistry, as it helps the plants absorb and use nutrients. However, soils that are too acidic or alkaline can affect the nutrient uptake of your plants and cause a wide range of deficiencies.
The best soil mix for cannabis is generally produced by combining several different ingredients that can include compost, peat, slow release fertilizers and organic matter, with additives such as bat guano, worm castings, dolomite lime (contains Calcium & Magnesium), coco fibre and mycorrhizal bacteria. It should be amended with water and natural supplements such as worm tea from seed to harvest.
Many growers choose to use an all-in-one super soil mix that contains all of the necessary nutrients and microorganisms needed for their crops. These all-in-ones are a great option for new growers who don’t have the time or experience to prepare their own soil mixture.
Another all-in-one soil mix is Red’s Premium which is a nutrient-rich, organic blend of potting and growing soils. It also contains a high-quality biochar that promotes root development and immune system strengthening.
Indoor cannabis cultivation is a major energy-intensive industry, as it requires lighting and ventilation as well as heating and cooling. It also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. This is why it’s important to choose a suitable grow location that will be energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
