A Trip from Earth to your Senses

Text: Alessandra Cespedes

The Art Of 100% Organic Cultivation

In the green tapestry of agricultural traditions, Cannabis cultivation stands out for its versatile applications and controversial history. Recently, there has been vigorous debate over the merits of organically grown cannabis versus its chemically enriched counterparts. This dichotomy between cultivation methods is not just a matter of yield but is imbued with philosophy and scientific rigour.

To understand the present, we must delve into the past. Cannabis has a historical lineage dating back to antiquity, with evidence suggesting its use as a medicinal plant since around 2000 B.C. in China, as well as for the manufacture of textiles and ropes [1]. Despite its antiquity, it is the manner of its cultivation that has evolved, reflecting changing societal values towards… Sustainability and ecological farming practices?

Sowing the Seed of Debate: Behind the Harvest

The past century witnessed conventional agriculture dramatically increasing crop yields. This increase in productivity is largely attributed to synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides. However, this approach is overshadowed by the socio-environmental impacts we are now compelled to live with.

At present, it's widely recognized that agriculture is the leading source of human-caused Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions worldwide. Among these GHGs, excluding CO2, about 12% of global emissions come from using chemical fertilizers [2]. If we consider other factors like changes in land use, these emissions increase to approximately 24% [2]

The soil sustains 95% of the food we consume, either directly or indirectly. The reality? Approximately one-third of the world's soils are degraded [3]. This degradation signals the urgent need to rethink about the conventional agricultural practices and the subsequent implications for the environment, health, and global food security.

Regarding the Cannabis, a plant deeply intertwined with spiritual, medicinal, and nutritional use throughout human history, the question arises: should we remain to conventional agricultural pathways or follow a path more aligned with the plant's historical legacy?

Master Nutrients: A New Paradigm in ecological Agriculture

The prohibition of cannabis has been like a wall for scientific research, especially in aspects concerning the cultivation of this plant. However, despite the challenges, significant advances have been made, many of which converge towards organic cultivation. In this case, contrary to the trend of altering nature, scientific research is dedicating efforts to create methods that promote the integration of the natural world into each grower's practices.

In the world of cannabis cultivation, the myth persists that organic cultivation results in modest yields compared to traditional cultivation. But let's take a breath and dispel this myth rooted in the past. Organic fertilisation technologies have not been sleeping. Guided by the light of scientific research and technology, a new generation of biological inputs has emerged, known as “new generation organic fertilisers.”

New generation organic cultivation transcends the exclusion of synthetic fertilisers and biocides. It is based on the integration of several biological inputs and bioactive compounds such as plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM), biological control agents (BCA), plant extracts, humic and fulvic acids, soil improvers, rapidly absorbing plant hydrolysates, seaweed extracts, natural sources of plant hormones, etc. This wide variety of inputs is revolutionizing organic cultivation, and many of them are transformed natural by products, contributing to making the agricultural sector more efficient and sustainable.

Why use such diverse raw materials?

Because organic cultivation is based on a holistic approach, considering the vital interactions between biodiversity, soil, and plants, like in a functional ecosystem based on nature, where we would find all these compounds. Many of these materials act on the physiological processes of plants with the aim of improving productivity. On the other hand, in addition to reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers, they also stimulate crop growth and resistance to adverse conditions such as soil pollution, drought, or salinity.

Of course, we are talking about regulated products, aligned with the European Regulation (EU) 2019/1009, which defines the functional categories of fertiliser products, providing specific guidelines on their composition and use. The main objective of this regulation is to ensure the quality and safety of fertiliser products on the EU market. By establishing clear and rigorous standards, it aims to protect human health and the environment, promoting sustainable practices and responsible agricultural production.

Some Functional Categories of Products related to organic Cultivation are: Organic Fertilisers

Based on natural materials, such as plant or animal by-products. Their purpose is to supply macro- and micronu- trients, usually by heightening N-P-K values. In addition, they provide organic matter, which promotes biological activity and, consequently, improves soil quality.

Organic Soil Improvers

These are materials added to the soil to improve its physical, chemical, and biological properties. In this way, the best possible environment is created for soil life and root development. The soil improvers also provide organic matter, that positively affects moisture retention, and prevents nutrient loss.

Non-Microbial Plant Biostumulants

These are substances applied to plants to stimulate growth, yield, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance, among other benefits. Some examples are humic substances, seaweed extracts, rapidly absorbed plant hydrolyses, etc.

Microbial Plant Biostimulants

These are microorganisms, such as certain types of bacteria and fungi. They promote plant growth, improve nutrient availability, enhance root growth, induce resistance to adverse environmental factors, and provide protection against phytopathogens. They could also influence the production of secondary metabolites, impacting properties such as fragrance or flavour in various crops.

These fertilizers form an unbeatable team of nutrients. As described, they are products that nourish the soil and plants and promote an environment favourable to the flourishing of life in all its forms. They are essential allies for growers committed not only to achieving abundant harvests but also to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Undoubtedly, these organic fertilizers stand as masters of nutrients in the art of modern ecological cultivation.

Performance/Quality

“Technological approaches to the use of organic fertilizers and biofertilizers in agriculture have proved to be effective means to improve soil structure, increase water retention capacity, improve soil fertility, and increase crop yields.” [4]

In the kind of cannabis cultivation, our focus is on performance, the pursuit of the most abundant harvest in grams. However, when we immerse ourselves in the role of consumers, our requirements become more specific: we demand quality. This quality involves a harmonious balance of cannabinoids, terpenes, fragrances, flavours… a synergic interaction known as the “entourage effect.”

In organic cannabis cultivation, there is a fascinating challenge: to combine these two aspects, performance, and quality, into a single act. Would it be possible to harvest top buds, supreme quality, free from synthetic chemicals, and obtain an experience that delights our senses? There are arguments… Let's take a tour of some evidence! Always remembering that the basis of organic cultivation is life, specifically the soil life…

A recent study evaluated various organic fertilization strategies applied to cannabis cultivation in certified organic soils. The results indicated that intensive organic fertilization treatments, based on inputs commonly used in organic agriculture, resulted in an increase in floral biomass over time, while maintaining a constant ratio of cannabidiol (CBD) to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) [5]. This provides valuable information on how different fertilization approaches can in- fluence yield and cannabinoid composition. We must choose the right organic approach!

Another remarkable study evaluated the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR) as an alternative to chemical fertilizers in cannabis cultivation. The most significant findings were that, under greenhouse conditions, rhizobacteria promoted plant growth and development, the accumulation of secondary metabolites (CBD and THC), and antioxidant capacity [6]. These results indicate the potential of rhizobacteria to increase plant biomass and improve the chemical composition of cannabis plants, while also helping to reduce the use of chemical inputs.

Another study explored the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in cannabis cultivation. The results revealed that the application of these fungi can promote plant growth and increase cannabinoid content in them, probably more than the use of synthetic fertilizers [7]. These results highlight the potential of organic cultivation with methods that do not degrade soil quality, in contrast to the prolonged use of synthetic fertilizers.

Terpenoids constitute the largest and most diverse group of secondary me- tabolites and are the primary constituents of the essential oils of various medicinal and aromatic plants [8]. Several studies have indicated that the colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can increase the production of essential oils in various medicinal and aromatic plants [8]. This suggests another possible positive effect of microorganisms in cannabis cultivation, as it is a plant rich in terpenes (which highlights the difference in the quality of the harvest).

Numerous research studies continue to accumulate evidence on the ability of organic cultivation to improve plant growth, quality, and yield. These findings support the choice of organic fertilizers as an environmentally friendly option and, at the same time, as a well-founded cultivation method to unleash the full agronomic potential of this wonderful plant.

As the cannabis industry grows, skilfully combining the art of cultivation with the science of plant nutrition will remain paramount for producers aspiring to both high-performance and excellent quality… We are on the cutting edge of organic cannabis!