Today’s cannabis production has largely moved indoors. These farms can be extremely profitable, but they’re associated with high starting and operating costs.
A new microbial biostimulant released by Colorado State University called Mammoth PTM might be able to help indoor cannabis farmers increase their yield in a more affordable way.
Indoor Soil Conditions
There are natural advantages to growing plants in soil. Research suggests that soil bacteria may augment the plant’s nutrient uptake, especially as it’s related to phosphorous.
According to a 2011 study: “Microorganisms are integral to the soil phosphorus (P) cycle and as such play an important role in mediating the availability of P to plants.” [1]
Natural soil is rich with diverse bacteria. Despite their control over nutrient application, indoor, soil-less grow systems like aeroponics and hydroponics, however, typically don’t have this advantage. That’s why farmers and scientists are experimenting with Mammoth PTM.
The Research
A 2017 study in the Journal of Horticulture experimented with Cannabis sativa and Mammoth PTM. [2] First, the researchers exposed established plants to the microbial biostimulant using coco and perlite buffered with calcium nitrate. Next, they focused on “assessing impacts on growth during the clone stage.”
The Results
Mammoth PTM had a noticeable effect on the plants. Mammoth PTM-treated cannabis plants grew large and robust, increasing bud yield by more than 16%. The biostimulant also led to faster maturation than control plants in the clone study. For example, the rate at which the plant grew in height was greater than control plants over the first four weeks. Untreated plants reached similar heights after an additional three weeks.
Most of the accelerated development was during the bloom phase.
References:
[1] Richardson AE, Simpson RJ. Soil microorganisms mediating phosphorus availability update on microbial phosphorus. Plant Physiol. 2011;156(3):989-996. [journal impact factor = 8.34; times cited = 821]
[2] Conant RT, Walsh R, Walsh M, Bell CW, & Wallenstein MD. Effects of a microbial biostimulant, Mammoth PTM, on Cannabis sativa bud yield. Journal of Horticulture. 2017;4:1-5. [journal impact factor = 1.0; times cited = 20]
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