Common organic soil amendments: Worm castings, Crustacean meal, Bat guano, Bone meal, Rock dust, Kelp meal, Compost, Mycorrhizal fungi, Trichoderma harzianum.
The soil improvement effect of Seaweed Powder
Seaweed powder usually made from brown algae such as Ascophyllum nodosum or kelp is rich in various active ingredients that can improve soil structure and microbial communities. Seaweed powder contains natural humic acid, which promotes soil organic carbon accumulation and is suitable for long-term soil remediation. Polysaccharides such as alginic acid and fucoidan bind to soil particles, forming a stable aggregate structure that improves air permeability and water retention. Seaweed hormones such as auxin and cytokinin stimulate root growth and enhance nutrient absorption efficiency. It helps provide slow-release nutrients such as N, P, and K, as well as chelated trace elements such as Zn, Fe, and Mg, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. Antimicrobial compounds in seaweed such as phenols and terpenes can reduce pathogens such as Fusarium and Rhizoctonia, effectively suppressing soil-borne diseases.
The soil improvement effect of Trichoderma viride
Trichoderma viride is a widely used biocontrol fungus that can coexist with plant roots, significantly improving the soil microecology. Trichoderma viride secretes plant hormones such as indoleacetic acid (IAA), which stimulates the growth of lateral roots and root hairs, thereby promoting root development and nutrient absorption. It also dissolves insoluble phosphorus and potassium, increasing available soil nutrients. It competes with pathogens, occupying root niches, inhibiting Pythium and Fusarium, and reducing root rot. Furthermore, it secretes chitinase and glucanase, which break down pathogen cell walls. Trichoderma viride also helps induce systemic resistance (ISR), activating salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) defense pathways in cannabis plants and enhancing resistance to pests and diseases.
The synergistic effect of seaweed powder and Trichoderma viride can enhance microbial activity.
– Seaweed powder provides a carbon source, promoting Trichoderma proliferation, and forming a virtuous cycle of probiotics and organic matter.
– Trichoderma decomposes seaweed polysaccharides, releasing low-molecular-weight active substances that promote cannabis absorption.
– Reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, making it suitable for organic farming, reducing the risk of salinization, and aligning with sustainable agriculture trends.
Practical application: effect of treatment containing KelpReal with fungus on Green Batavia .
The effect was visible early on and resulted in an increase in shoot weight at harvest as can be seen below.
