Best Practices for Clean Green Growing

clean green cannabis growingClean green growing is an emerging trend in the cannabis industry, and for good reason. Not only does it provide an enhanced overall experience, but it also addresses a social movement that is better for the consumer and the environment.

Clean green growing provides a more conscious cannabis product. Some of the benefits you’ll experience from clean green cannabis growing using SoHum living soils include:

  • Microbial interaction creating organic nutrients for flowering cannabis plants – 100% organic cultivation for the duration of veg/flower cycle using water only.
  • Higher terpene expressions creating a more intense “entourage effect” – increasing the overall effect of the cannabis experience.
  • Creating high-value quality products – at less than $1/gram.

At SoHum Living Soils, we’ve been committed to clean green cannabis cultivation since our inception. We’ve been refining our process for years and have identified the following best practices as essential to include if you are going to use a clean green growing method.

Follow the Integrated Pest Management Process

Integrated pest management (IPM) ensures that all pesticide and fungicide products used are truly organic and safe for human consumption. This process is stricter than what state regulators require of growers.

IPM provides an environmentally conscious approach to pest management that leans heavily on biocontrol products. Essentially, this involves using good bugs to eliminate the harmful insects that can damage your grow operation as an alternative to relying on chemical pesticides to accomplish this important task. While pesticides may still be used judiciously, IPM allows you to reduce the duration of pesticide use. Bugs will become the primary way to manage these pests, with chemicals only used sparingly to fill in the gaps.

There are 5 essential steps associated with integrated pest management:

  • Identify the pest(s) threatening your grow operation – Most insects interacting with your grow operation are not actually pests, but instead contribute to a broader ecosystem. By taking the time to ensure the insects you’re targeting are actual pests, you can eliminate unnecessary pest control measures.
  • Monitor pest activity – This will help you determine whether there is a large enough number of pests present to cause actual damage to your grow operation. Monitoring the rise and fall of pest numbers over time will help you avoid unnecessary treatments.
  • Determine action thresholds – This refers to the point where any additional damage will be considered unacceptable and would require the need for pest control measures. The higher you set the action threshold, the fewer treatments you’ll need to use. This will further reduce your reliance on pesticides.
  • Explore treatment options and administer treatments – Biological pest control measures should be considered first. In addition, you should create grow conditions which optimize fertility and plant health to minimize the need for pest control treatments. As part of IPM, pesticides should be the last resort and only include chemicals that are least toxic to human health and the environment.
  • Evaluate results – Pest management is an ever-evolving process. You’ll need to monitor results after treatments to determine the effectiveness of your efforts and whether the pest has been reduced to an acceptable level. This will allow you to discontinue treatments if pest numbers fall below your action threshold.

Ensure All Materials Used in Plant Cultivation Meet the Regulatory Requirement for Clean Green Certification

Clean Green Certified cannabis growing materialsThe Clean Green Certified program was established in 2004 in order to address the lack of a USDA organic certification program for cannabis products. If you’re committed to growing organic cannabis products, making sure you’re Clean Green Certified is essential.

In order to become Clean Green Certified, you must complete the following steps:

  • Undergo an expert materials review – The Clean Green Certified program has established their standards for organic materials based on the leading organic certification programs nationally and worldwide.
  • Establish your classification – You’ll need to apply under one of the three different classifications: crop producer, processer/handler making products, or an outlet/service company supporting the organic cannabis industry.
  • Complete an inspection – Once your materials and procedures have been reviewed and you’ve confirmed you’re licensed to do business in your state, you’ll need to complete an inspection to become certified.

Maintain Impeccable Levels of Employee Hygiene

Clean green growing requires adherence to strict hygiene standards. You’ll need to make sure all employees:

  • Wash their hands
  • Wear hair nets and beard nets
  • Use gloves when handling products

Practice Responsible Agriculture

Responsible agriculture refers to using ethical growing practices. It’s crucial to establish trust and reliability regarding what is done on the back end to comply with clean green standards. Practicing responsible agriculture involves promoting ethical and sustainable farming practices that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for communities.

In addition, you should be engaging in neighborly farming if you have an outdoor grow operation. It’s important to make sure your practices are considerate of other farmers nearby and don’t disrupt their harvest in any way.

Use Living Soil as Your Growing Medium

If you’re going to commit to clean green growing, living soil provides you with the most effective growing method to maintain these high standards. When choosing a living soil product for your grow, make sure to choose one that is both OMRI and Clean Green Certified.

SoHum Living Soils has developed a reputation as an industry leader in clean green, organic cannabis growing. Very few other living soils are as dynamic and possess as robust OMRI and Clean Green certified components to the soil makeup.

SoHum is a complete living soil product that allows you to maximize your plant’s potential. This water-only soil eliminates the risk of error in the growing process, and allows you to avoid the need for chemicals which may jeopardize your ability to grow a clean green product. With SoHum Living Soils, you’ll have peace of mind that you’re providing a safe, enhanced experience for the consumer of your cannabis product.

View our store locator to find a SoHum distributor near you.

 

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