The concept of Living Soil can be confusing to growers unfamiliar with it. So, what exactly does it mean?
Living Soil refers to a set of practices designed to maximize the benefits of a thriving soil ecosystem for plant growth. This set of practices comes from observing and learning from the processes happening in nature, applying them to our own grow environments, and supercharging them if possible.
A great example is composting. In nature, soil organisms break down dead leaves, plant material, and animal waste into organic matter and minerals, enriching the soil and providing essential nutrients to plants. Early farmers refined this natural process by creating compost, which improves soil health far more effectively than simply letting organic matter decay in the field.
Common Living Soil Practices
Composting – Compost introduces organic matter, slow-release nutrients, and diverse microbes into the soil. It also enhances water retention, making moisture management easier.
Cover Cropping & Companion Planting – Cover cropping involves planting vegetation in the soil during off-seasons to improve soil structure and fertility. Typically, the cover crop is terminated before planting the main crop. Companion planting, on the other hand, involves growing different plants together to enhance soil health, improve nutrient cycling, increase water retention, and deter pests.
Proper Watering Techniques – Maintaining the right moisture levels is crucial for a thriving Living Soil ecosystem.
Soil Testing & Rebalancing – Periodically testing your soil and rebalancing it is crucial to ensuring a proper balance of essential minerals, which is vital for a thriving Living Soil ecosystem
Common Misconceptions About Living Soil
All Soil is Technically Alive – From the Arctic tundra to the parched landscape of Death Valley, some form of microbial life exists in the soil. However, Living Soil refers not to the mere presence of life but to a specific approach to soil management that fosters a rich, self-sustaining ecosystem.
Not All Growing Media is Technically ‘Soil’ – By definition, soil is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, combined with varying amounts of organic matter and minerals. Indoor growers use soilless mixes—combinations of peat, coco coir, compost, and aeration materials like perlite, pumice, or rice hulls. While these aren’t technically "soil," Living Soil practices still apply. And let’s be honest, "Living Soilless Media" just doesn’t have the same ring to it!
Quality Matters in Living Soil – Not all Living Soil is created equal. The quality of inputs used plays a major role in soil health. For example, many Certified Organic inputs - such as seed meals, bone meals, blood meals, feather meals and fish by-products - come from large-scale industrial farms where plants and animals may be exposed to pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and poor conditions. To create truly high-quality Living Soil, it’s important to choose inputs that are not only Certified Organic but also produced organically from start to finish.
Growing cannabis in Living Soil enhances plant health, flavor, and potency by fostering a thriving microbial ecosystem. It’s a sustainable, nutrient-rich method that improves water retention, boosts pest and disease resistance, and reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers. While the initial setup takes effort, it leads to long-term cost savings and a more natural, high-quality grow.
Comments