Soil Microbes

SOIL MICROBES

Leonard van De Luytgaarden

Micro-organisms are microscopic, single celled organisms that are the oldest form of life on earth. Microbial fossils have been found dating back more than 3 billion years.

The millions of microbial species are divided into six major types: Archaea, Bacteria, Fungi, Microbial Mergers, Protozoa and Viruses.

Most microbes are beneficial and are essential components in all environments. Without them, the very planet we live on could not exist.

Soil microorganisms are responsible for the formation of soil, the conversion and transfer of nutrients, the decomposition of organic matter, the degradation of pesticides and other chemicals, and the suppression of pathogens. Over the course of a microbe’s life cycle, they will add organic matter and micronutrients to the soil, improving it and the plant’s ability to take up nutrients. The more diverse and populated your substrate is the better.

Each species of microbe provides its own type of benefit, making it important to have an array of various kinds. For indoor gardens, it is important for a substrate to be rich in microbes, or the plants will not reach their full potential, as microbes are found naturally in all external environments.

Roots are most important and form the plant’s foundation, therefore a healthy substrate for the entire plant’s life cycle must be maintained. Cultivating a suitable environment for microorganisms to thrive in encourages healthy growth. Healthy roots equal healthy plants.

Microbes can be utilised to protect the substrate from pathogens, which may be crucial in the defence and cure of disease or infection.

Botany Basics

We often forget about the basic botany that is applicable to growing all things. You may scratch deep in archives of your brain, searching for those basic boring plant cross sections you HAD to absorb & replicate in every biology exam from Grade 5 to grade 10 (for us oldy's, Standard 3 - 8).

Cultivating Outdoors – Winter Grow

We are truly blessed to live in a country with so much beautiful, strong sunlight, no - matter the season - not even winter can stop a well-cared for crop! As a grower we are always looking to take advantage of the different conditions experienced throughout the seasons.

Cultivating a Love for Mushrooms

It’s not difficult to fall in love with the wonder of mushrooms. From small, light, and delicate, to rich, meaty and dense, these little powerhouses hold the secrets to youth and longevity. They are truly magical in their abilities to heal and nourish at every level of the human experience.

Choosing Seeds and Harvesting a Successful Crop

There are three types of cannabis plants. Cannabis Indica, Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Ruderalis. Indica plants are generally known to be adapted to colder climates. They have broader leaves, thicker flowers or buds and are shorter, stout looking plants in comparison to their sister varieties, that generally complete their flowering cycle faster than Sativa strains.

Strengthening Sustainability

Haifa Group is a world leader in the field of speciality fertilisers. Since its establishment in 1966, Haifa brand has been considered a symbol of quality and pioneering in the global agricultural industry. We sell a wide range of quality products in more than 100 countries through 17 subsidiaries spread throughout the world.

Trailblazing Partners - Issue 6

The Grow Life · Nov 27, 2021

Foreword - Issue 6

The Grow Life · Nov 27, 2021

Issue 6 - Cover

Issue 6 - Cultivation

The Grow Life · Nov 27, 2021

Botany Basics

Cultivating Outdoors – Winter Grow

Cultivating a Love for Mushrooms

Choosing Seeds and Harvesting a Successful Crop

Strengthening Sustainability

Trailblazing Partners - Issue 6

Foreword - Issue 6

Issue 6 - Cover

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