// Definition
A cultivation approach where biologically complete compost is the primary fertility vehicle, with no additional inputs during the cash crop cycle beyond water. Based on Dr. Elaine Ingham's soil food web principles, it relies on protozoa, fungi, and bacteria to cycle nutrients from parent soil material rather than adding synthetic or even organic liquid feeds. Composting programs are implemented on-site to generate biology reserves rich in the protozoa missing from commercial reduced-waste composts.
// From the Episode
Kevin Stinson (Marine veteran) is implementing this at Ohio Fire Factory, a 28-light indoor facility scaling to 100 lights. He cited data from John Kemp showing soybean fields maintaining pre-planting nitrogen levels post-harvest when biology is intact — demonstrating soil as an 'inexhaustible mine' for NPK. Mid-cycle compost extracts (not brewed teas) may be used initially to kickstart biology. Plant sap, tissue analysis, and biological monitoring will document results over multiple years.
// Source
Ep. 171 HC 4.0 Ep 2 →