A functional Living Soil system supplies plants with nutrients through an active soil ecosystem. Microorganisms, fungi, and soil organisms break down organic matter and make nutrients available to the plant.
However, as plants grow, their nutrient requirements also increase. Especially during the flowering phase, cannabis needs additional energy for flower development.
A proven method for replenishing nutrients in Living Soil is called Top Dressing.
This involves applying organic materials to the surface of the substrate, where they are slowly broken down by microorganisms.
What is Top Dressing?
Top Dressing describes the application of organic nutrients to the surface of the substrate, without disturbing the soil.
The materials are simply spread on the soil and then lightly watered.
Unlike liquid fertilizers, top dressing does not work directly with soluble nutrients, but with organic materials that are first broken down by microorganisms.
This is particularly well suited for biological soil systems like Living Soil.
Why Top Dressing works particularly well in Living Soil
Microbes are the engine, not the additive
Living Soil is based on active soil life. Bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms break down organic materials and gradually make the contained nutrients available.
With top dressing, these nutrients are made available to the soil as a food source for the microbiome.
The process proceeds in several steps:
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Microorganisms begin to break down organic materials
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Nutrients are mineralized
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Fungi and bacteria transport nutrients in the soil
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Plant roots absorb the released nutrients
This natural process ensures that nutrients become available more slowly and stably.
When to apply Top Dressing
Top dressing is usually applied during growth when the plants' nutrient requirements increase.
Typical times are:
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Transition from growth to flowering
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Early flowering phase
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Longer flowering phases with high energy requirements
Especially in larger pots or reused Living Soil substrates, top dressing can help to sustainably supply the soil ecosystem in the long term.
What materials are suitable for Top Dressing
Various organic materials are used for top dressing. These contain nutrients in a natural form and are slowly broken down by microorganisms.
Typical components are:
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Worm castings
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Compost
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Plant meals
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Rock dust
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Organic bloom fertilizers
Many growers combine several of these components to achieve a balanced nutrient profile.
Example: Bloom Top Dress Mixture
Ready-made mixtures can help to use several organic components in a coordinated combination.
One such mixture is TopDress Bloom, for example.
It combines various organic nutrient sources and was specially developed for nutrient supply during the flowering phase.
The mixture is simply applied to the soil surface and then lightly watered so that microorganisms can begin to break it down.
Role of Microorganisms in Top Dressing
Top dressing only works optimally if an active microbiome is present in the soil.
Microorganisms perform several important tasks:
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Breakdown of organic materials
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Release of nutrients
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Transport of minerals in the soil
Products that support the soil microbiome can help to further promote these processes.
Top Dressing and Mulch
A mulch layer can further support the top-dressing process.
Mulch helps to:
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Stabilize soil moisture
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Protect microorganisms
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Slowly integrate organic material into the soil
This makes the soil ecosystem more stable and allows the breakdown of organic materials to proceed more efficiently.
Practical solution: ready-made top-dress mixtures
Many growers create their own top-dress mixtures from various components such as compost, plant meals, or mineral supplements. Alternatively, ready-made mixtures can also be used, which already contain several organic nutrient sources in a coordinated combination.
An example of this is TopDress Bloom. The mixture was specially developed for the flowering phase and combines various organic components that can provide the soil with additional energy.
As a top dressing, the mixture is simply applied to the surface of the substrate and then lightly watered. Microorganisms in the soil then begin to break down the organic materials, so that the contained nutrients are gradually made available to the plant.
Especially in Living Soil systems, such a mixture can help to support the natural nutrient cycle during the flowering phase without disturbing the soil ecosystem.
Conclusion: Top Dressing as a natural nutrient cycle
Top dressing is a simple and effective method to sustainably supply Living Soil systems.
Instead of directly supplying nutrients through liquid fertilizers, this method relies on the natural nutrient cycle in the soil.
Organic materials are broken down by microorganisms and gradually made available to the plants.
In combination with an active soil microbiome, a stable soil structure, and organic matter, a system is created that can supply plants over longer periods.
