Growing cannabis in soil is considered an easy and effective way to produce tasty buds. However, you need to learn what to look for in cannabis soil, what makes good or bad cannabis soil, and what other options you have to successfully grow cannabis.
We present all these details in the following article, so if you want to stay updated with cannabis industry news and other relevant information, keep reading.
What To Look for in Cannabis Soil
Whether you’re running a marijuana business or you have yet to obtain cannabis licenses, you need to know the following crucial aspects of growing cannabis in soil:
Drainage
Good cannabis soil facilitates excellent drainage. Otherwise, it will result in poor root health, hampering growth. Poor drainage also makes your plants sick, producing low-quality yields, or worse, they could die.
Texture
Dense solids do not allow cannabis to grow well. Meanwhile, a light and airy soil texture is suitable for cannabis. It facilitates the healthy and maximum development of roots while ensuring that there’s enough oxygen reaching the roots.
Nutrients
For your plants to grow, the cannabis soil must have enough nutrients. Luckily, most soils contain a moderate amount of these nutrients, such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. However, they’re only usually good for three or four weeks. When your plants begin flowering, the nutrients may already be depleted. So, you need to add nutrients.
If you choose not to add these nutrients, the soil has to have organic substances. These include compost, humus, or worm castings. These substances will become nutrients, which your plant can maximize as needed.
Water Retention
While the best cannabis soil offers excellent drainage, it should also be able to hold water. So, the cannabis soil must have the right balance of drainage and water retention.
pH Level
Another thing to consider in cannabis soil is the pH value. The best cannabis soil should have a pH value of around 6 — specifically 5.8 to 6.3. If it’s way too far from that range, your plants will not be able to absorb the needed nutrients. Your plants may also die.
What Are the Characteristics of Good Cannabis Soil?
There are four variations of natural soil, namely loam, clay, sandy, and silt. However, note that many soils include a combination of at least two types. This means that you can have loamy and clay, silty and clay, sandy and silty, and more. Various ratios are also available for each type of soil.
Silty Soil
With medium coarseness, silty soil is abundant in minerals like quartz and organic particles. Similar to sandy soil, silty soil is easy to work with, making it a suitable option for growers. It’s one of the most fertile soils, so you can expect a good amount of harvest. It also has excellent water retention. However, drainage is just average.
Sandy Soil
With a coarse structure, sandy soil has its pros and cons. Aside from being easy to work with, it promotes good drainage and airy soil. It also includes high oxygen levels. However, water retention is not good, and you need to water your plant more often. Unfortunately, nutrients like nitrogen will be depleted immediately.
Clay Soil
Clay soil contains fine mineral particles. As it is full of minerals and nutrients, clay soil is a great organic option for cannabis. Water retention is also good. However, drainage is difficult. Also, while you can shape or mold clay soils, you will have a hard time working with them. The pH value is high, and they are heavy. So, more work and attention are needed.
Loamy Soil
Loamy soil consists of silt, sand, and clay with some organic compounds. One major advantage is that it facilitates excellent drainage and water retention. So, it’s considered one of the best options for growing cannabis. Also, it has high oxygen levels and is packed with nutrients. However, loamy soil can be a little costly.
Various Amendments To Enhance Cannabis Soil Quality
Your cannabis soil may not possess the needed texture, water retention, or drainage ability. However, different amendments can be used to increase the soil’s quality.
- Perlite: The most commonly used amendment, perlite contains light, airy, and white rocks. It helps enhance drainage ability and water retention. You can add 10% to 20% of perlite for the amendment.
- Coco coir: Made from coconut husks, coco coir promotes good water retention without making the soil heavy. As the roots develop faster, there’s less risk for excessive watering. While pure coco coir can be used to grow cannabis, a 30% maximum is recommended to achieve the best results.
- Worm castings: Containing useful organisms, worm castings help enhance soils’ texture, water drainage, and water retention. Amend your soil with around 30% of worm castings.
- Vermiculite: You can use vermiculite to enhance water retention and make the soil become lighter. It has the same qualities as perlite, and they work well together.
Quality Cannabis Soil: The Key to Healthier Cannabis Plants
Whether you’re buying marijuana from a dispensary or growing your own, it’s beneficial to know the critical aspects of cannabis soils, such as drainage, water retention, texture, and pH value. It’s also necessary to know the pros and cons of each type of natural soil and the different amendments to improve the soil’s quality. Visit our page for more marijuana news and updates.