The concept of "supersoil" or "super soil" in cannabis cultivation refers to a type of organic soil mix that is designed to provide all the necessary nutrients and minerals a cannabis plant needs throughout its entire life cycle, from vegetative growth to flowering, with minimal or no additional fertilization. The goal is to create a rich and well-balanced soil that reduces the need for frequent feeding and simplifies the cultivation process. The idea is to rely primarily on the soil's nutrient content and microbial activity to sustain the plants.
Here's some information and considerations regarding super soil:
Ingredients: Super soil typically contains a mix of organic materials like compost, worm castings, bat guano, bone meal, blood meal, kelp meal, and other natural additives. These ingredients release nutrients slowly over time.
Microbial Activity: Healthy super soil is teeming with beneficial microorganisms that help break down organic matter and make nutrients available to the plants. These microorganisms play a crucial role in nutrient uptake.
Water-Only Claims: Some growers claim that their super soil mixes can sustain a cannabis plant for several weeks or even months with just water, particularly during the vegetative stage. This can be true, especially if the super soil is well-prepared and contains a rich reservoir of nutrients.
Limitations: While super soil can reduce the need for additional fertilization, it may not provide all the required nutrients for the entire flowering stage, which is often when the plant's nutrient demand increases. In many cases, additional supplementation may be necessary during flowering to achieve optimal yields and potency.
Preparation: Proper preparation of super soil is crucial. The mix needs time to "cook" or mature, allowing the microbial community to establish and break down organic matter. This can take several weeks or even months.
Monitoring: Even with super soil, it's essential to monitor your plants' health and adjust your care routine as needed. Some strains may have different nutrient requirements.
Quality Control: The effectiveness of super soil can vary based on the specific mix, the quality of ingredients, and the preparation process. Quality control is key to achieving consistent results.
In summary, super soil can be an effective and natural way to grow cannabis with reduced reliance on synthetic fertilizers. However, claims of it sustaining a plant for the entire flowering stage with just water may not hold true for all strains and situations. Growers often find that some supplementation is necessary, especially as plants enter the flowering stage and nutrient demands change. It's important to experiment and fine-tune your approach to match the specific needs of your cannabis plants.