I'm about 5 weeks into a micro organic grow, 2 weeks into flower. The ladies are definitly showing signs of needing nutrients (I guess I didn't mix it as rich as I thought?), so I was wondering about humus. I have a compost been and the bottom has a good amount of decayed organic matter sludge, the humus. My question: Is it a good idea to pour out some humus and add it into my plant pots? There is about an inch of space from soil to top of pot so I could mix it with some soil, or would it be better to go get some blood and bone meal to mix and add to that top layer, or all 3? I know that once I add it to the top it will leech down into the soil and uptake in the roots, just not sure what I should use. Thanks
I'm assuming you have a thermophilic compost bin? When I hear "sludge", I think liquid. Thermophilic compost 'runoff' (liquids) can contain dangerous pathogens as well as unfinished decaying matter. (Bokashi ferment runoff would be a different story) Using an unfinished compost can lead to acid soil conditions as well as be 'unavailable' to the plat until further refined by microbes. Blood and bone meal would provide nutrients, but probably won't decompose into actual humus by the time your grow is harvested. I would top dress with a quality finished compost/EWC. If your plants have a general 'hungry' look, try a kelp/alfalfa tea. The easiest way to introduce humic acids to your grow would be using a water soluble humic acid product, such as BioAg Humisolve (follow label, don't overdo). You may have mixed in enough. Just of a poor quality compost with low nutrient levels (not trying to diss or anything). EDIT: Also keep in mind that yellowing/shedding some lower leaves is normal for some strains.
I think you might consider top dressing with EWC if you want to add some organic matter to your existing grow. Stankie is dead on right with the sludge and anerobic bacteria. And he didn't mention insect EGGS which will suddenly come to life in a warm, moist, and dark area. They'll get ya for shure man! Stick with the EWC and wait on your compost. The risk won't be worth any reward.