The living soil utilized by Blacktree Farms LLC is a proprietary creation developed through custom soil blends specifically formulated for their unique cultivation needs. Crafted by Valin Bodie of Environmental Soil Solutions, these soil mixes are tailored to enhance the growth and health of plants, including their high-quality CBD strains. Scientific research indicates that living soils are teeming with diverse microorganisms—such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa—that play essential roles in nutrient cycling and soil health (Graham & Hutchins, 2017). By employing these custom blends, which are specifically set to achieve the ideal pH for CBD cultivation, Blacktree Farms cultivates an environment that fosters robust plant growth, resulting in superior yields and enhanced potency for their CBD products. Valin Bodie’s innovative approach combines extensive research and practical experience in soil science, culminating in the design of custom living soil blends optimized for Blacktree Farms. Crucially, these blends are set to achieve a neutral pH of around seven, which is critical for the effective cultivation of CBD plants. Research shows that maintaining a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 maximizes the availability of essential nutrients—such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—that play key roles in nutrient absorption and plant health (Rangements et al., 2020). By ensuring this ideal pH balance, the soil reduces the risks of nutrient lockout associated with extreme pH levels (Havlin et al., 2014), thereby promoting healthy root development and enhancing CBD yield and quality. In combination with regular organic integrated pest management (IPM) practices, the living soil approach ensures that Blacktree Farms cultivates healthy, robust plants. IPM strategies involve using a combination of biological controls, cultural practices, and organic treatments to manage pests and diseases effectively while minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals. This proactive strategy not only protects the plants but also enhances their overall vitality, allowing them to better withstand environmental stressors and grow in resilience. Numerous studies support the efficacy of organic cultivation methods for growing CBD and other cannabis strains. Research has demonstrated that organic systems not only lead to healthier plants but also can improve cannabinoid profiles compared to conventional methods. For example, an organic approach can enhance the levels of beneficial secondary metabolites, including terpenes and flavonoids, which contribute to the overall therapeutic effects and flavor profiles of cannabis (Rosenberg et al., 2019). Additionally, organic farming practices, which emphasize soil health and biodiversity, can enhance the resilience of crops against pests and diseases, further reducing the need for chemical interventions (Reganold & Wachter, 2016). This not only aligns with consumer demand for organic products but also promotes environmental sustainability and ecological integrity. The partnership between Blacktree Farms LLC and Environmental Soil Solutions exemplifies the advancements in organic farming practices, demonstrating how custom soil blends can significantly impact plant health and product quality. By utilizing Valin Bodie’s uniquely formulated living soil set for the ideal pH for CBD cultivation, along with regular organic IPM practices, Blacktree Farms not only engages in environmentally sustainable practices but also highlights the importance of scientifically driven cultivation methods in producing premium CBD. This collaboration stands as a commitment to ecological integrity, allowing Blacktree Farms to provide organic and sustainably sourced cannabis products to a growing market of conscious consumers. ### References – Graham, J. H., & Hutchins, A. B. (2017). Mycorrhizal Fungi in the Terrestrial Ecosystem. – Havlin, J. L., Beaton, J. D., Tisdale, S. L., & Nelson, W. L. (2014). Soil Fertility and Fertilizers: An Introduction to Nutrient Management. – Rangements, F., et al. (2020). Impact of Soil pH on Nutrient Availability: A Review. – Reganold, J. P., & Wachter, J. M. (2016). Organic Farming in the Twenty-First Century. Nature Plants, 2, 15221. – Rosenberg, Y., et al. (2019). The Impact of Organic Cultivation on the Quality of Cannabis and Hemp. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 67(8), 2178-2186.