Molasses?

[annie]

Can someone explain why molasses is being put into soil? I’m going to be growing organically and with as many beneficial microbes I can get. In terms of microbes my understanding is that they have a symbiotic relationship with the plants where they exchange nutrients for simple sugars(glucose). Is it just used for establishment of microbes? I’m worried too much molasses would lead to microbes preferring glucose chains (sucrose) and not effectively exchanging nutrients with the plant itself. What microbes are effected by molasses?

 

[Bigg Al]

The microbes eat the sugars that's in the molasses, feeding the microbes feeds the plant. Mix with water or with your nutes.

 

[BII]

Also, with molassas essentially the gunk left over after removing pure sugar, it contains various nutrients from the sugar cane plants.

 

[annie]

Ok so in Cannabis it’s not directly exchanging nutrients for sugars. It’s just more of a proximity to the microbes that allows uptake from roots?”. Is there a general micro/macro(nutes) overview of what’s in molasses?

Thank you Bigg Al and Bll for your answer

 

[Waira]

Can someone explain why molasses is being put into soil? I’m going to be growing organically and with as many beneficial microbes I can get. In terms of microbes my understanding is that they have a symbiotic relationship with the plants where they exchange nutrients for simple sugars(glucose). Is it just used for establishment of microbes? I’m worried too much molasses would lead to microbes preferring glucose chains (sucrose) and not effectively exchanging nutrients with the plant itself. What microbes are effected by molasses?

Hey Annie! yes indeed, the 'crobes do get a sugar rush from the molasses, which in turn indirectly benefits the plants. The sugars in molasses are sucrose, glucose and fructose, ratio's vary between boiling/processing stages and source (beet, sugar cane, sorghum),.... There are some nice goodies in there for the plant though: Ca, Mg, Fe, some K, a little Mn and even in some cases vit. B6,..... I like to treat the soil weekly, 1 fat T/gal is fine,... Too much may potentially promote unwelcome microbial guests, so moderation here just as in us....:smoking:

 

[Waira]

..oh, yes, the increased microbial activity helps convert, breakdown and cycle nutrients, organic components, helps enzyme productions and all that, which are indirect benefits to the plant... the sugars themselves don't get taken up by the plant, but the other mineral nutes sure do....

 

[Buds Buddy]

Hmmm, Never heard of anyone using Molasses during there Veg. Only use it during final 2 weeks of Flower myself. 1 Teaspoon per Gallon every time I water during final 2 weeks. Suppose to be full of Carbs, Mag, Cal, Potassium, etc... & make your buds more resinous during final 2 weeks. Can't say if it makes a difference since I've done it this way since my 1st grow. I can say my buds are frosty & sticky as all get up though.

 

[annie]

Thanks Waira for the response. I have some inoculate here that I’m excited to use (fungi and bacteria). I wasn’t sure if it would lead to the development of nodules. I’ll def need calcium now that I bought a R.O. System (haha I caved)

 

[AutoWonders]

Organic blackstrap molasses is pretty darn benign. I have been using it for a couple of years at end of coco grow if I feel it's warranted and I use between nute waterings etc. if needed.

 

[annie]

Thanks Buds Bunny, are you organic or running synthetics? Are you adding molasses during flush or before flush?