WHAT IS BLACKSTRAP MOLASSES AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Blackstrap molasses is a by-product of the sugar cane’s refining process, and is a dark viscous liquid that emerges from the third boiling of sugar cane juice. Due to the multiple boiling process that is undertaken in the production of blackstrap molasses, it is a highly-concentrated product, and it contains many beneficial elements (such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium) on both a micro- and macro-level.
Sulphured and Un-sulphured Molasses
Sulphured Molasses refers to molasses that contain sulphur dioxide (SO2), whereas Un-sulphured Molasses refers to molasses that do not contain sulphur dioxide.
Oftentimes, sulphur dioxide is added to sugar cane as a preservative and as an antimicrobial, maintaining the freshness of raw sugar cane until it is processed. However, sulphured molasses tends to kill the beneficial microbes which are found in soil, which is why our Just Cannabis Blackstrap Molasses is un-sulphured.
How does Blackstrap Molasses promote the health of your cannabis plants?
The most important factor in maintaining the health and vitality of your cannabis plants is the quality of your soil. Good soil should contain (amongst many other compounds) important nutrients such as micro- and macro-elements, and vitamins that are essential for maintaining the health of your cannabis plants.
Furthermore, good soil also contains living microbes, or micro-organisms. Introducing un-sulphured blackstrap molasses into your soil ensures not only the maintenance of nutrients in your soil, but also ensures that these micro-organisms are being fed, facilitating the ideal environment for these microbes to flourish.
Maintenance of salt levels, and prevention of nutrient deficiencies
A common problem that arises in growing cannabis is the gradual build-up of salt in your growing medium. This problem is more persistent when utilizing inorganic and mineral-based synthetic fertilizers and supplements. When salt builds up in your soil, the increased PH levels and EC levels prevents the absorption of sufficient nutrients, a problem often referred to as Nutrient Lockout. By using natural, un-sulphured blackstrap molasses, the salt levels of the soil are maintained, thus allowing for adequate absorption of nutrients.