The legalization of cannabis in several states has opened a global market that offers many lucrative opportunities for those that grow cannabis. Inevitably, this has also spurred the market for cannabis fertilizers.
Although cannabis —like every other typical plant— derives its nutrients from the soil, attaining a garden of high-quality cannabis plants requires that, in addition to good soil, sufficient light, and water, these plants further require the nutrients supplied by fertilizers.
Fertilizers for Cannabis
Fertilizers are plant food that is derived from either natural or industrially produced substances, which are “fed” to the soil in which that plants are rooted, to enhance their growth. In growing cannabis, these fertilizers are very important to both the plants and the cultivators, because these fertilizers possess the necessary nutrients to help raise a crop of healthy marijuana plants.
It also helps the plants to achieve leaf growth and eventually, flowers. Without sufficiently fertilizing your cannabis plants, your plants may not reach their full potential. It is also important to note that there are different types of fertilizers for different types of goals that a cultivator wishes to attain. For instance, if you wish for your plant to grow huge buds, there is the right fertilizer for that objective. Therefore, the success or otherwise of any cannabis plant is hinged on the above two factors.
Any cannabis garden essentially requires a superb combination of essential nutrients, with the three significant nutrients being the famous NPK —nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The NPK combination is the building block to a thriving marijuana plant.
Therefore, in this article, we shall look at the various organic fertilizers that encompass these nutrients and are the best options for your cannabis plants.
Types of Organic Fertilizers for Growing Cannabis
Bat Guano
Bat poop – that’s the simplest way to describe this cannabis-enriching fertilizer. Bat guano is accumulated bat poop that is gotten from the floors of the caves where these bats reside. Asides from the substance of this fertilizer, what is more, surprising is that these droppings are “harvested” in their metric tons!
In countries like Peru, bat guano is a major export trade, because this is known as an all-natural organic fertilizer. Cannabis cultivators are heavy investors in this trade, as this source of nutrients for their cannabis garden is highly sought-after and quite valuable, and has become a core part of organic cultivation.
The bat guano possesses the essential micronutrient for such plants — the NPK. The exact composition of bat guano, however, is significantly dependent on the fertilizer’s country of origin, as well as the manufacturers. Therefore, the composition of this organic fertilizer may range from 10:3:1 or 10:2:1 to 1:10:0.2 or 0.5:12:2.
Human Urine
Yes, you read right! Human urine is one of the most enriching organic fertilizers known by various cultivators. However, it is important to put this caveat before we delve any further.
Do not go pissing on your plants! The urine contains tons of slats that need to be diluted before it is applied to your plants. Secondly, it is important to only use your urine when you’re healthy, and not ingest medication regularly.
Other than that, urine is a fantastic nutrient for your cannabis plants, as it is high in nitrogen. Additionally, it further improves the circulation of other key nutrients that are vital in the healthy growth of your cannabis. The NPK ratio of this human waste is around 11:2:4.
Furthermore, it is important to gauge the PH range of the urine. Certain factors can affect the acidic levels of urine, including one’s diet, infection, etc.
Also, the urine is not directly applied to the plant. It must be mixed with materials that are rich in carbon, to allow the bacteria in the urine to do the needful.
Perlite and Vermiculite
Perlite is a wonderful substance that improves the structure of the soils, effectively optimizing the health of a cultivator’s cannabis plants. Perlites are pieces of volcanic glass that are produced when a volcano’s lava erupts and cools down.
Perlites usually start off as obsidian — a hard, glass-like volcanic rock — that eventually forms into perlite in the presence of water. Manufacturers usually heat it to 980°C, which makes these perlites soften and expand. Eventually, they expand as this process releases water and takes on white color and poor texture.
There are various advantages of using perlite for cannabis plants. First, it enhances the drainage system of the soil. This draining process helps the cannabis plants to avoid potentially fatal pathogens and suffocation. Further, it improves the aeration of the soil, allowing the plants to breathe adequately.
Vermiculite — another natural mineral adds a plethora of benefits to the plants like its sister, perlite. It also boosts the aeration and improves drainage.
Worm Castings
Worms are not uncommon in gardens, as they provide high nutrients for cannabis plants. Worm castings are earthworms’ poop, after digesting the soil and other organic substances. Using these worm castings with compost is the most optimal way to use them, as the direct application of these leftovers can end up making your plants taste like poop.
Chicken Manure
Finally, chicken manure is another great organic fertilizer for your cannabis plants, as it has a fair amount of potassium and phosphorus while being rich in nitrogen. The manure, however, requires composting that allows the breakdown of some other powerful nutrients that are embedded within the manure. This is because the application of raw manure can damage your plants.
Bone and Fish Meals
You can also feed your cannabis plants your fish bones and other inedible parts. These bones are rich in nitrogen, and when ground into a fine powder and enriched with pressed fish oil, they can make a great organic fertilizer for your plants.
ConclusionIt is important to understand the application of these organic substances, so as to avoid severely damaging your cannabis plants. You can get more information on the Herbies Seeds website.
