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Acid lactic bacteria in cannabis crops

Cannabis plants’ ecological growing becomes more and more popular, as cannabis enthusiasts are increasingly looking for natural and non-toxic products. One of the most important factors is a soil rich in microorganisms that are beneficial to the soil and the plant. In fact, they help it fight off malicious pathogens without using pesticides or other chemicals. Lactic acid bacteria or lactobacillus are a great ally in achieving this. Plus, they have many other benefits for plants.

What are lactic acids ?

Lactic acids are bacteria that have been used primarily in the manufacture of certain foods for thousands of years. Its most common use is in the production of fermented dairy products such as yogurt and its derivatives (kefir, cream of milk, cheese or butter). During the fermentation process, these benign microorganisms are responsible for the production of lactic acid, which is normally found in our digestive system and in large quantities in nature.

Lactic acids are responsible for the curdling of dairy products and give them a characteristic smell.

lactic acid

Their use is concentrated in the manufacture of dairy products. However, they are also a good option for the maturation of meat, fish and sausages. In fact, they are also widely used in probiotic cultures, since they complement the bacteria present in human body’s intestinal flora and promote the proper functioning of the digestive system.

Lactic acid functions in cannabis crops

One of the main functions of lactic acid is to balance the population of microorganisms in the soil; where they are able to perform other functions very beneficial to the plant:

  • Strengthen the immune system of the plants.
  • Allow a better use of fertilisers
  • Help restore compacted and diseased soils.
  • Increase nutrients available in the soil
  • Prevent the appearance of fungi harmful to the soil and plant.

Other functions of lactic acids

One of lactobacillus particularities is its ability to eliminate odours. One of its most curious uses is therefore the possibility of adding it to compost to neutralise the aroma. This happens because of the ability of this beneficial bacteria to feed on ammonia and other compounds. These are released through anaerobic (airless) fermentation and produce the offending odour.

In addition, adding lactobacilli to irrigation water improves soil health by breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients to plants. One of the preferred products of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is sugar. As they digest soil sugars, they create a fatty acid called hexanoate. Then the cannabis plant synthesizes it for the production of terpenes and cannabinoids.

lactic acid to neutralize compost odours

On the other hand, a study has analysed the use of these bacteria to increase plant growth by providing greater bioavailability to the soil; as well as to prevent diseases by eliminating harmful species of microorganisms, both with good results.

How to obtain lactobacilli?

In organic growing, it is very likely that lactobacilli are naturally present in the soil. These bacteria are everywhere (air, soil…), normally located in the upper layer of the soil, not beyond the first 15 centimetres. Indeed, they proliferate better in oxygenated zones. Despite this, it is possible to enrich the soil by adding these microorganisms to water or by spraying them.

It is important to remember that UV rays will eventually kill them. Therefore, yous should turn the soil carefully so as not to expose them to light and reduce the population. Also, it is desirable to add them at night or just before turning the lights off indoors.

To obtain an additional population of LABs, one of the best options is to culture these bacteria at home with basic ingredients.

Preparing lactobacilli at home


Ingredients and utensils needed to grow lactobacillus

  • 250 g water
  • 350 g rice
  • 1 litre of milk
  • A glass container with a wide opening
  • Gauze
  • Elastic band
  • Paper bag
  • Transparent jug

How to prepare lactobacillus step by step

  1. Place equal parts of water and rice in a container. If your water is treated with chlorine, you will have to let it stand for 24 hours to evaporate it.
  2. Shake the mixture well and strain it into the glass container using a gauze. The mixture should be whitish.
  3. With another gauze, cover the jar and tighten it with a rubber band.
  4. Hide it from light by placing the bottle in a paper bag or wrapping it in a cloth, and let it stand in a dark place at a temperature between 25 and 30ºC.
  5. Check that the residues are staying at the bottom and that it has the sour smell of fermentation daily. It should be ready in a maximum of 3 days. In case the temperature of the place where the mixture is located is lower, it will take a week or more.
  6. Mix in the jar ten parts of fresh milk for each part of fermented rice water (filtered through a clean gauze).
  7. Close the jar with gauze and a rubber band ensuring minimal air flow and leave it in a cool, dark place away from light.
  8. Three distinct layers will form with a week as a difference. Throw away the top layer and keep the middle layer.
  9. Place the middle layer in a clean jar, filtering it with another gauze.
  10. Close the jar without pressure so that the gas produced by the fermentation can escape.
  11. Keep it in the refrigerator.

how to prepare lactobacillus

In the fridge, lactobacillus serum bacteria’s development slows down. At natural temperature, they will need a few spoonfuls of brown sugar to feed. If it has been in the refrigerator, 24 hours before using the mixture, sugar should activate serum. This will create a huge colony of bacteria. Before pouring the lactobacillus on the plants, mix one litre of water for every 10 ml of lactic acid serum.

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Erik Collado

Con más de 10 años de experiencia en la industria del cannabis, sus experiencias y aprendizaje son la base del éxito de GB The Green Brand.

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