In an exciting new study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, Jose F. Da Cunha Leme Filho and his team have uncovered the remarkable potential of biostimulants to revolutionize cannabis growth and yield.
It won’t be a surprise to growers who have been using these types of teas for years, however.
But as the demand for cannabis products continues to surge, this research offers valuable insights into sustainable cultivation practices that can optimize productivity while minimizing environmental impact.
Harnessing the Power of Nature – Biofertilizers and Humic Acid
The researchers investigated the effects of two types of biofertilizers and a humic acid product on various aspects of cannabis growth and soil health.
The biofertilizers used in the study were Microgeo®, a manure tea, and Microgro Supreme Bioinoculant®, a blend of beneficial bacteria and fungi. The humic acid product was MicroLife Humic Acid Complex®, derived from leonardite.
Biostimulants, which include biofertilizers and humic acid, are substances derived from biological or organic sources that promote plant growth through various mechanisms.
They can enhance nutrient uptake, stimulate hormone production, improve disease resistance, and increase tolerance to environmental stresses.
Impressive Results in the Face of Adversity
During the 2020 growing season, the researchers faced a significant challenge: a delayed planting date that exposed the cannabis plants to suboptimal growing conditions.
However, the application of biostimulants proved to be a total game-changer, leading to remarkable improvements in plant performance:
- Cannabis height soared by 105%
- Chlorophyll content, essential for photosynthesis, increased by 52%
- Photosynthetic efficiency, a key indicator of plant health, rose by 43%
- Aboveground biomass, a measure of overall plant growth, skyrocketed by 122%
- Bucked biomass, which excludes the stem, saw an impressive 117% increase
These results highlight the ability of biostimulants to help cannabis plants thrive even under challenging circumstances.
In the 2019 season, which had a more favorable planting date, biostimulant application primarily led to improvements in chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency.
Cultivating Healthy Soil. The Key to Sustainable Success
In addition to boosting plant growth and yield, the study also revealed that certain combinations of biofertilizers and humic acid can stimulate soil microbial activity.
Specifically, the treatment combining Microgeo® and MicroLife Humic Acid Complex® led to significantly higher soil CO2 evolution, an indicator of microbial activity.
This finding underscores the importance of soil health in sustainable cannabis cultivation. By promoting a thriving microbial community, biostimulants can contribute to long-term soil fertility and resilience, reducing the need for synthetic inputs and minimizing environmental impact.
Charting a Course for the Future of Cannabis Agriculture
While the study provides compelling evidence for the benefits of biostimulants, the researchers acknowledge that further research is needed to fine-tune application rates and combinations for optimal results.
Nevertheless, these findings represent a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable, high-yield cannabis production.
As the cannabis industry continues to expand, growers will face increasing pressure to adopt environmentally friendly practices while maintaining profitability.
Biostimulants, with their ability to harness the power of nature to enhance plant performance and soil health, offer a promising solution.
The work of Da Cunha Leme Filho and his colleagues lays the foundation for a new era in cannabis cultivation—one that prioritizes sustainability, efficiency, and quality. By embracing the potential of biostimulants, the industry can chart a course toward a greener, more prosperous future.
