Marijuana Business Magazine - February 2018

That mix is put through a process of lactobacillus fermentation for about three days.The fermented leaf mix is then run through a cheesecloth or a cider press, resulting in a powerful liquid nutrient mix. It can be used right away or stored, because the sugar helps preserve the mix and removes the need for refrigeration. That permits the mix to be stored at room temperature. When the mix is ready to be applied, Simkins first pours it into a tank with a large aerator. He then allows the mix to aerate for a few hours, until the materi- als are well combined. Simkins, who has four 2,500-gallon tanks, said he pours about 3 gallons of mix into about 2,500 gallons of water.The tanks are con- nected to drip irrigation lines located in the fields and greenhouse. Timing is Everything As for timing, some nutrients, such as nitrogen, are more effective during the PRIMER: ORGANIC SOIL AND NUTRIENT SOURCES Kelp: Kelp, or seaweed, is not a primary source of the three macronutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus and potas- sium. But it has more than 60 trace minerals plus amino acids, enzymes and alginates. Kelp contains mannitol, a natural sugar that breaks down micronutrients and makes them available to plant cells. Kelp improves soil health, seed germination, plant vigor and sugar content. It also stimulates more lateral root growth and larger root mass. Guano: It may sound fruity, but guano is poop – in particular, a combination of seabird and bat excrement. Guano is full of beneficial bacteria and, depending on what types of bats, essential macronutrients. For exam- ple, Mexican bats have a bug diet and their guano is high in nitrogen, while Jamaican bats eat fruit and therefore produce high-phosphorous feces, which is best in the flowering stage. Lobster and Crab Shells: Lobster and crab shells, typi- cally harvested from seafood processors, are excellent sources of nitrogen, phosphorous and calcium. They are best applied in the flowering stages of the plant cycle. They also contain a carbohydrate called chitin that helps retain moisture and deters insects. Worm Castings: Castings are packed with bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes, which revitalize the food web of the soil, aiding in its beneficial functions. Bacteria and protozoa help to nourish the soil, while protecting against and repressing disease. Worm casting aids in the breakdown of organic matter, such as decomposing food waste or vegetables and other organic materials. Fish Excrement: Fish excrement is packed with a wide variety of nutrients as well as beneficial bacteria that help break down nutrients, making it easier for plants to take them up. – Omar Sacirbey vegetative phase of the growth cycle, while others, like phosphorous, are better during the flowering stages. Haywood likes to use Coast of Maine’s Stonington Blend for the vegetative phase, while lobster com- post is great for top dressing during flowering phase. “A lot of organic soil formulators are tailoring products to meet the needs of different growth phases of many plants, including cannabis,” she said. Similarly, the type of ferment mix Simkins applies will depend on the stage the plant cycle is in. For example, comfrey, sting- ing nettle and alfalfa – all grown at Sacred Flower – are particularly high in nitrogen, which is most beneficial during the vegetative state. Calcium is also preferred at the vegetative phase But plants don’t want nitrogen at the flowering stage, and instead prefer phosphorous. That can be obtained from marigolds and sunflowers, which Sacred Flower grows. Sacred Flower also ferments mango, banana, squash and papaya – among the few inputs they can’t grow but have to buy – which contain potassium and sugars that help the plant thrive during the flowering stage. The growers also use manure from five alpacas at Sacred Flower as a top- dress soil amendment. Alpaca manure contains 16 trace minerals that are vital to the cannabis plant. It also is high in nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron, Simkins said. Cultivators who like to use organic soil and nutrient options acknowledge that they can cost more – or take more time to make in Sacred Flower’s case. But the long-term returns far out- weigh the costs, they said. “You do not need to rely on a bot- tled nutrient to bring the best product to market and have a profitable, suc- cessful garden,” Simkins said. ◆ 44 • Marijuana Business Magazine • February 2018