Bamboo charcoal in cannabis production has many applications. Among other things, bamboo charcoal impregnated with bamboo extract can be used as a substrate in potting soil for cannabis cultivation, as a replacement for air and water filtration, and even as energy.
Better growth through bamboo charcoal and bamboo extract
Bamboo charcoal , the carbon-rich material left over from the pyrolysis of bamboo, can be very useful in horticulture when properly selected and used. In the cannabis industry, growers are constantly looking for products to increase productivity and quality, and we believe bamboo charcoal can meet certain needs. Below is a brief overview of the uses and effects of bamboo charcoal enriched with bamboo extract for cannabis production, both in and out of soil.
Benefits of using bamboo charcoal enriched with bamboo extract in potting soil for cannabis production
Potting soil for cannabis can contain several of the following elements: peat, earthworm castings, vermiculite, perlite, coco fiber, compost, mycorrhiza, and so on. Some cannabis growers already use bamboo charcoal enriched with bamboo extract in their growing mix and achieve excellent results. To achieve such results, the bamboo charcoal must meet precisely defined properties.
The charcoal can be used in potting soil to improve soil aeration by replacing perlite and vermiculite, among other nutrients. Depending on its properties, it can also increase or decrease water retention. At GECA, in collaboration with Laval University, we have proven that the complete replacement of perlite and partial replacement of peat with bamboo charcoal is successful in nurseries and ornamental horticulture without negative impacts on yield and plant health, and without adjusting irrigation, pH, or fertilization.
In addition, bamboo charcoal can be enriched with bamboo extract It can also be used as a long-term fertilizer, adding P, K, and oligoelements to the soil. It also contains nitrogen and many other organic materials, as well as valuable organic acids, to bind nitrogen and the other nutrients it contains, and then slowly release them after application to the soil. Bamboo charcoal is applied as part of the potting soil (approximately 25%) only at the beginning of production. For maximum effect, special bamboo charcoal or bamboo charcoal blends should be used. Although bamboo charcoal always contains P, K, silicon, and micronutrients, if it is not pre-loaded with nutrients and microorganisms, it can initially sorb nutrients and then release them only slowly, which can be confusing for first-time users. Therefore, it is important to activate the bamboo charcoal before application.
Bamboo charcoal not only increases the number of desirable microbes in the soil, but also biodiversity. Mycorrhizal fungi, which are favored by cannabis plants, also grow in and around bamboo charcoal, benefiting the plant.
Because biochar is typically alkaline, it can be used to regulate soil pH. This can counteract the effects of acidic materials such as peat and nitrogen fertilizers in potting soils.
It's worth noting that certain biochars can be certified organic, but they must be made from virgin forest residues. This is important for some organically certified farmers who are prohibited from using synthetic fertilizers and inputs. In these cases, bamboo charcoal can be a great alternative to prohibited fertilizers. However, biochar made from cannabis residues cannot be certified organic, even if the production is organic.
It's important to remember that not all biochar is suitable for cannabis production. The biochar and its properties must be carefully selected to improve yield as well as plant and soil health. We recommend using bamboo charcoal and bamboo extract . This will sustainably strengthen the plant and keep it healthy for a long time. Furthermore, the plant's defenses are activated, strengthening it against fungal infections and pests. The use of chemical pesticides can be completely eliminated.
Other uses for biochar in cannabis cultivation
From an environmental perspective, biochar is very well suited to reducing the producer's environmental impact. Because peat is so widely used and its extraction leaves such a large ecological footprint, replacing some of the peat with biochar can benefit the environment.
Bamboo charcoal can also absorb air pollutants such as gases and organic matter. Since manufacturers are required to filter exhaust air, its extremely high porosity allows it to be incorporated into air filtration systems to remove VOCs and thus reduce odors. This is a replacement for activated carbon, which can come from fossil sources and is generally quite expensive. Similarly, bamboo charcoal can be used for water filtration. Wastewater can be pre-filtered with suitable bamboo charcoal to remove nutrients and contaminants. By replacing activated carbon and other absorbing materials, manufacturers save money while contributing to the circular carbon economy.
Bamboo charcoal is also an energy source that can be used to heat buildings and generate electricity. It functions similarly to coal and charcoal and can be burned in pellet burners. Using bamboo charcoal to power and heat greenhouses and facilities is an environmentally friendly alternative to using fossil fuels like propane for cannabis production.