대마 재배 배지: 흙, 코코, 펄라이트, 록울 — 장단점 비교

AZ_Growshop_Asia · July 24, 2026, 4:41pm

Disclaimer: This document is provided for educational and research purposes only. A valid license is required in accordance with the Thai Controlled Herbs Act 2025 and the Ministerial Regulations of the Buddhist Era 2569 (April 2026). Please ensure you check the laws in your jurisdiction.

Introduction

In cannabis cultivation, the choice of growing medium (substrate) directly impacts yield, quality, and the level of difficulty. This guide compares the physical and chemical properties of major growing media and recommends suitable substrates for various cultivation systems.

Key Terms:

CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity) — Nutrient retention capacity (meq/100g)
WHC (Water Holding Capacity) — Moisture retention rate (%)
AFP (Air Filled Porosity) — Oxygen supply rate to roots (%)

1. Organic Living Soil

Living soil is an organic medium with a functioning microbial ecosystem and is the most traditional method for cannabis cultivation worldwide. As of 2025, its market share stands at 43.7%.

Parameter	Value
CEC	50–150+ meq/100g
pH	6.0–6.5
WHC	60–80%
AFP	10–20%
Market Share (2025)	43.7%

The Role of Mycorrhiza

Rhizophagus irregularis (Mycorrhizal fungi) expands the root surface area by up to 700%, significantly improving phosphorus (P) uptake. In a living soil environment, mycorrhiza is naturally activated, allowing for the minimization of synthetic fertilizers.

Pros:

Natural nutrient cycling — cultivation possible with minimal inputs
Rich flavor and terpene profiles
Environmentally friendly

Cons:

Risk of pests and diseases (proper composting is essential)
Heavy weight
Slow nutrient delivery rate

2. Super Soil & Living Soil Recipes

Coot’s Mix (Base Ratios)

Component	Ratio
Peat Moss	33%
Aeration (Perlite/Pumice)	33%
Compost/Worm Castings	33%

List of Amendments

Mix the following amendments per cubic foot (approx. 28L):

Amendment	Amount	Function
Neem meal	1/2 cup	IPM + slow-release Nitrogen
Kelp meal	1/2 cup	Potassium + growth hormones
Crustacean meal	1/2 cup	Chitin + Calcium
Fish bone meal	1/2 cup	Phosphorus + Calcium
Oyster shell powder	1/2 cup	Calcium + pH buffering
Basalt rock dust	1/2 cup	Trace element supply
Biochar	1–2 cups	CEC enhancement + microbial habitat
Mycorrhiza	1–2 tbsp	Root inoculant

Tip: After mixing the amendments, let the soil “cook” (mature) for at least 30 days. This allows microbes to decompose organic matter into forms plants can absorb.

3. Coco Coir

This medium is made from coconut husk fibers. It allows for precise nutrient management similar to hydroponics.

Parameter	Value
CEC	10–30 meq/100g
WHC	73–88%
AFP	15–35%
pH	5.5–6.5
Absorption Rate	8–9 times its own weight

Calcium Buffering

Coco coir naturally has high levels of sodium (Na) and potassium (K). It must be pre-buffered with calcium nitrate to saturate the cation exchange sites with calcium.

Buffering Procedure:

Prepare calcium nitrate solution (EC 2.5–3.0)
Soak the coco for 24 hours
Rinse with clean water
Check EC before use

Pros:

Excellent air-to-water ratio
Lightweight and easy to handle
Can be reused 2–3 times

Cons:

Calcium buffering is mandatory
Requires additional Cal-Mag supplementation
No inherent nutrients

4. Perlite

An ultra-lightweight medium made by expanding volcanic glass at high temperatures.

Particle Size	Diameter	Usage
Fine	< 3mm	Seed germination, topsoil mixing
Medium	3–6mm	All-purpose mixing material
Coarse	6–13mm	Drainage layers, pure hydroponics

Parameter	Value
WHC	20–35%
AFP	30–55%
CEC	~0 meq/100g
pH	6.5–7.5

Note: Since its CEC is nearly 0, it does not retain nutrients. It must be used with a nutrient solution or mixed with other media.

5. Vermiculite vs Perlite

Property	Perlite	Vermiculite
CEC (meq/100g)	~0	100–150
Drainage	Excellent	Poor
Water Holding Capacity (WHC)	Low–Medium (20–35%)	High (50–70%)
AFP	30–55%	8–15%
pH	6.5–7.5	6.0–7.5
Primary Use	Improving drainage/aeration	Moisture/nutrient retention

Selection Criteria:

If you need drainage → Perlite
If you need moisture retention → Vermiculite
Optimal balance can be achieved when mixed together

6. Rockwool (Steinwolle)

An artificial fiber medium made by melting and spinning basalt and limestone at 1,600°C.

Parameter	Value
Porosity	96%
AFP	11–15%
WHC	75–91%
CEC	0 meq/100g
pH (Pre-soak)	5.5
Biodegradability	Non-biodegradable

Pre-treatment:

Soak in a pH 5.5 solution for 24 hours to neutralize surface alkalinity.

Pros:

Uniform structure — consistent performance
High porosity and water holding capacity
Can be reused 3–6 times

Cons:

Non-biodegradable — environmental burden
High initial pH requires pre-treatment
Risk of fiber inhalation — wear a mask when handling

7. LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate)

Expanded clay balls made by firing clay at 1,100–1,200°C.

Parameter	Value
WHC	10–25%
AFP	35–50%
CEC	~0 meq/100g
pH	5.5–6.5
Reusability	Indefinite (after washing)

Pros:

Indefinitely reusable
Excellent drainage and aeration
Minimal risk of pests and diseases

Cons:

Very low water holding capacity
Cannot hold nutrients
High initial cost

8. Alternative Media

8.1 Rice Hulls

WHC: 20–23%
AFP: 69–70%
CEC: 2–10 meq/100g
Agricultural byproduct — a sustainable choice
Cannot be reused as they decompose

8.2 Pumice

WHC: 25–40%
AFP: 30–50%
CEC: 5–15 meq/100g
Indefinitely reusable
Heavier than perlite but does not break down

8.3 Biochar

WHC: 40–60%
AFP: 15–30%
CEC: 15–300+ meq/100g
Carbon sequestration effect — climate friendly
Promotes soil microbial activity

9. Comprehensive Comparison Table

Medium	WHC (%)	AFP (%)	CEC (meq/100g)	pH	Reusability
Soil	60–80	10–20	50–150	6.0–6.5	Limited
Coco	73–88	15–35	10–30	5.5–6.5	2–3 times
Perlite	20–35	30–55	~0	6.5–7.5	Limited
Vermiculite	50–70	8–15	100–150	6.0–7.5	Limited
Rockwool	75–91	11–15	0	7–8	3–6 times
LECA	10–25	35–50	~0	5.5–6.5	Indefinite
Rice hulls	20–23	69–70	2–10	5.5–6.5	No
Pumice	25–40	30–50	5–15	6.5–7.5	Indefinite
Biochar	40–60	15–30	15–300+	7–10	Yes

10. Medium Matching by Cultivation System

Medium	DTW (Drain to Waste)	Recirculating	Water-only
Coco+Perlite	Optimal	Not suitable	Not suitable
Rockwool	Good	Optimal	Not suitable
LECA	Fair	Optimal	Not suitable
Living Soil	Possible	Not suitable	Optimal

Coco+Perlite Mixing Ratios

Ratio (Coco:Perlite)	Application
70:30	Standard — suitable for most grows
60:40	High-frequency automated irrigation systems
50:50	Dutch-style commercial cultivation

11. Sustainability Comparison

Medium	CO₂e (kg/m³)	Environmental Concerns
Compost	20–50	Local sourcing — minimal
Rice hulls	10–30	Utilizes agricultural waste
Biochar	Negative (Sequestration)	Depends on raw material
Coco	50–100	Long-distance transport
Perlite	150–300	Mining + calcining energy
Peat	200–500	Destruction of peatlands
Rockwool	150–250	Non-biodegradable waste

Conclusion

The choice of growing medium depends on your cultivation goals, experience level, budget, and environmental values.

Beginner Growers → Organic soil or premium potting mix
Precision Growing → Coco+Perlite (70:30)
Commercial Hydroponics → Rockwool or LECA
Sustainability First → Compost + Rice Hulls + Biochar

Whichever medium you choose, the key to success is establishing a nutrient management and irrigation strategy tailored to that specific medium’s characteristics.

References

HortGrow Solutions (2025). Growing Media Selection Guide for Controlled Environment Agriculture.
Frontiers in Plant Science (2022). Substrate Physical Properties and Plant Growth Interactions.
Malik, P. & Tlustos, P. (2025). Agriculture. Substrate optimization for cannabis cultivation.
PT Horticulture. Coco Coir Processing and Buffering Standards.
Grodan Recycling. Rockwool Lifecycle and Sustainability Report.
Viet Growers Community (2015). Viet Grower Handbook. Growing media fundamentals for tropical climates.

Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational and research purposes only. The Thai Controlled Herbs Act 2025 and Ministerial Regulations of the Buddhist Era 2569 (April 2026) apply. A valid license is required for cannabis cultivation. Please comply with all relevant laws in your jurisdiction.