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Ultimate Guide to PancakeSwap’s IFOs: Early Access to Crypto Launches Before the Crowd

By: MintonFin
19 January 2026 at 07:34
Ultimate Guide to PancakeSwap’s IFOs: Early Access to Crypto Launches

What if you could access promising crypto projects before they hit major exchanges — often at lower prices and with less competition?

That’s exactly what PancakeSwap IFOs (Initial Farm Offerings) are designed to do.

In a market where early access often determines outsized returns, PancakeSwap’s IFO model has quietly become one of the most powerful launchpads in DeFi. From retail investors to crypto whales, savvy participants use IFOs to gain exposure to new token launches, DeFi startups, and emerging Web3 projects — without needing insider connections or venture capital allocations.

This ultimate guide to PancakeSwap IFOs breaks down how IFOs work, how to participate step-by-step, risks to watch for, and advanced strategies to maximize upside while minimizing downside.

Whether you’re new to DeFi or an experienced yield farmer, this guide will help you decide if PancakeSwap IFOs belong in your crypto investment strategy.

What Is a PancakeSwap IFO?

A PancakeSwap IFO (Initial Farm Offering) is a token launch event that allows users to buy new crypto tokens using CAKE-BNB LP tokens on PancakeSwap before the token is publicly traded.

Unlike traditional ICOs or IDOs, IFOs reward liquidity providers, not just speculators. Participants commit liquidity to PancakeSwap and, in return, receive early access to new tokens.

Why PancakeSwap IFOs Matter

  • Early access to new crypto launches
  • Built-in liquidity at launch
  • Transparent smart-contract execution
  • No VC favoritism — open to retail users
  • One of the most active launchpads on BNB Chain

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PancakeSwap IFOs vs ICOs vs IDOs

PancakeSwap IFOs vs ICOs vs IDOs

IFOs reduce launch-day chaos by ensuring liquidity exists from day one — one reason they’ve gained massive traction in DeFi.

Why PancakeSwap Is a Top Launchpad for Crypto IFOs

PancakeSwap isn’t just another decentralized exchange. It’s one of the largest DeFi ecosystems in crypto, with:

  • Millions of monthly active users
  • Deep liquidity on BNB Chain
  • Established brand trust
  • Rigorous IFO project vetting

Projects launching via PancakeSwap benefit from instant visibility, while investors benefit from reduced rug-pull risk compared to unknown launchpads.

How PancakeSwap IFOs Work (Step-by-Step Overview)

Step 1: Acquire CAKE and BNB

You’ll need both tokens to create liquidity.

Step 2: Create CAKE-BNB LP Tokens

Provide liquidity on PancakeSwap to receive LP tokens.

Step 3: Commit LP Tokens to the IFO

Stake your LP tokens during the IFO subscription period.

Step 4: Allocation Is Calculated

If the IFO is oversubscribed, funds are proportionally allocated.

Step 5: Receive New Tokens

You receive the IFO tokens plus unused LP tokens refunded automatically.

Types of PancakeSwap IFOs Explained

1. Basic Sale

  • No CAKE requirement
  • Smaller allocations
  • Lower barrier to entry

2. Unlimited Sale

  • Requires holding CAKE
  • Larger potential allocation
  • Competitive and often oversubscribed

Pro Tip: Advanced users often participate in both to diversify allocation strategies.

How to Join a PancakeSwap IFO

Wallet Setup

You’ll need a Web3 wallet such as:

  • MetaMask
  • Trust Wallet
  • Binance Web3 Wallet

Ensure BNB Chain is enabled.

Liquidity Provision

Navigate to PancakeSwap → Liquidity → Add Liquidity

Provide equal values of CAKE and BNB.

LP Commitment

Go to the IFO page and commit your LP tokens before the deadline.

How Allocation Works in Oversubscribed IFOs

Most popular IFOs are oversubscribed, meaning demand exceeds supply.

Example:

  • Total committed: $10M
  • Target raise: $1M
  • Your commitment: $10,000

Your allocation:
$1,000 worth of tokens
$9,000 LP tokens refunded

This mechanism protects users from overexposure.

Benefits of PancakeSwap IFOs for Investors

Early Entry Advantage

Historically, early access often means:

  • Lower token prices
  • Higher upside potential
  • Strong launch momentum

Reduced Rug-Pull Risk

Projects undergo:

  • Smart contract audits
  • Tokenomics review
  • Liquidity planning

Passive Yield Alignment

IFOs reward liquidity providers rather than short-term flippers.

Risks of PancakeSwap IFOs You Must Understand

1. Token Price Volatility

New tokens can:

  • Pump aggressively
  • Dump shortly after launch

2. Impermanent Loss

LP exposure means price divergence risk between CAKE and BNB.

3. Project Execution Risk

Even vetted projects can fail to deliver.

Never treat IFOs as guaranteed profits.

Smart Strategies to Maximize IFO Returns

Strategy 1: Partial Profit Taking

Sell a portion at launch to recover capital.

Strategy 2: Staggered Participation

Don’t go all-in on a single IFO.

Strategy 3: CAKE Utility Stacking

Use CAKE across:

  • Syrup Pools
  • Farms
  • IFO access

How do you usually approach IFOs?

  • Long-term hold
  • Partial profit at launch
  • Full flip
  • Still learning

Drop your approach in the comments. Your insight will help other readers.

Tax Considerations for PancakeSwap IFOs

Depending on jurisdiction:

  • LP rewards may be taxable
  • Token sales may trigger capital gains
  • Refunds usually not taxable

Consult a crypto-aware tax professional.

Are PancakeSwap IFOs Worth It in 2026?

For investors seeking:

  • Early-stage crypto exposure
  • DeFi-native opportunities
  • Transparent launch mechanics

PancakeSwap IFOs remain one of the most accessible and credible launchpads in crypto.

They are not risk-free — but for disciplined investors, they can play a strategic role in a diversified DeFi portfolio.

Who Should Consider PancakeSwap IFOs?

  • DeFi users already holding CAKE
  • Investors comfortable with volatility
  • Users seeking early crypto access
  • Risk-averse investors
  • Short-term traders chasing guaranteed profits

Final Thoughts: PancakeSwap IFOs as a DeFi Power Tool

PancakeSwap IFOs sit at the intersection of early access, DeFi utility, and fair launch mechanics. When used strategically, they offer something rare in crypto: retail-friendly early exposure without insider privilege.

The key is discipline — understanding allocations, managing risk, and avoiding emotional decisions.

If you’re serious about navigating DeFi beyond basic swaps and staking, PancakeSwap IFOs deserve your attention.

Know someone exploring DeFi or PancakeSwap? Share this guide with them before the next IFO goes live — early access only helps if you understand how it works.


Ultimate Guide to PancakeSwap’s IFOs: Early Access to Crypto Launches Before the Crowd was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Why Smart Money Tracks PancakeSwap TVL (And What It Signals for DeFi Investors)

By: MintonFin
15 January 2026 at 09:57
Why Smart Money Tracks PancakeSwap TVL

Smart money is watching PancakeSwap’s TVL — you’re about to find out what they see that most investors miss.

When investors starts moving quietly, Total Value Locked (TVL) tells the story long before the price does.

Right now, some of the most sophisticated investors in decentralized finance are paying close attention to PancakeSwap’s TVL — and not without reason.

In a market flooded with hype-driven narratives, fleeting meme coins, and short-lived yield farms, TVL remains one of the most reliable on-chain indicators of real capital conviction. And as DeFi matures, TVL trends — not token prices — are increasingly where institutional capital, whales, and long-term allocators are focusing their attention.

PancakeSwap, once dismissed as “just another Binance Smart Chain DEX,” has quietly evolved into one of the most strategically important liquidity hubs in crypto. Its TVL movements now reflect broader shifts in risk appetite, yield strategy, capital efficiency, and DeFi market structure — making it a powerful signal for anyone serious about wealth building, income generation, and intelligent crypto investing.

This article breaks down why PancakeSwap’s TVL trends matter, what smart money sees that retail investors often miss, and how understanding these patterns can help you make better investment decisions in an increasingly competitive DeFi landscape.

What Is PancakeSwap TVL?

PancakeSwap TVL (Total Value Locked) is the total dollar value of crypto assets deposited into PancakeSwap’s liquidity pools, staking contracts, and yield farming protocols. It measures how much real capital investors have committed to the platform and is widely used to assess protocol trust, liquidity depth, and long-term DeFi adoption.

Unlike price-based metrics, TVL answers a more important question:

Where is real capital choosing to work right now?

For institutional investors, crypto funds, and high-net-worth DeFi participants, TVL provides insight into:

  • Capital confidence and commitment
  • Yield sustainability
  • Protocol trust and security perception
  • Long-term adoption trends
  • Liquidity depth and execution efficiency

While retail traders chase short-term token pumps, smart money follows liquidity. Large players cannot enter or exit positions efficiently without deep liquidity — and TVL is the clearest proxy for that depth.

When TVL rises consistently:

  • Capital is flowing into the protocol
  • Users are locking funds for yield, not speculation
  • The ecosystem is expanding organically

When TVL falls:

  • Risk appetite is shrinking
  • Capital is migrating elsewhere
  • Yield opportunities may no longer justify exposure

This is why TVL trends often lead price movements, not the other way around.

Why Is TVL Important in DeFi Investing?

TVL is important in DeFi because it helps investors evaluate:

  • Capital confidence in a protocol
  • Liquidity depth and trade efficiency
  • Yield sustainability over time
  • Risk exposure and capital flight signals
  • Institutional and smart money participation

PancakeSwap’s Evolution: From Yield Farm to DeFi Infrastructure

PancakeSwap launched during the early Binance Smart Chain boom as a low-fee alternative to Ethereum-based DEXs. Initially, it attracted users through high APYs, low gas fees, and aggressive token incentives.

But over time, PancakeSwap has done something few DeFi protocols manage successfully: It matured.

Today, PancakeSwap operates across multiple chains, offers advanced liquidity tooling, integrates sophisticated AMM models, and serves as a core liquidity layer for the broader BNB Chain ecosystem.

Key developments that shifted institutional perception include:

  • Multi-chain expansion beyond BNB Chain
  • Improved capital efficiency mechanisms
  • Reduced reliance on inflationary rewards
  • Stronger governance and protocol sustainability
  • Increased use by arbitrageurs and professional market makers

As a result, TVL on PancakeSwap is no longer “farm-and-dump” liquidity. Increasingly, it represents sticky capital — funds allocated with longer time horizons and more deliberate yield strategies.

That’s exactly the kind of capital smart money tracks closely.

Why PancakeSwap TVL Trends Matter More Than Price

Price is emotional. TVL is rational.

Token prices reflect sentiment, narratives, and speculation. TVL reflects behavior — what investors are actually doing with their money.

Smart money understands that:

  • Prices can be manipulated short-term
  • TVL requires real capital commitment
  • Liquidity migration reveals hidden market preferences

When PancakeSwap’s TVL rises during periods of broader market uncertainty, it sends a powerful signal:

Capital is choosing utility and yield over speculation.

This is particularly important for wealth-focused investors and income-oriented strategies. In uncertain macro conditions, capital often rotates toward cash-flow-producing assets, including DeFi platforms with proven fee generation and sustainable yield.

PancakeSwap’s TVL trends often reflect this rotation before it becomes obvious in headlines.

The Smart Money Thesis: Why Capital Is Returning to PancakeSwap

There are several reasons sophisticated investors are increasingly comfortable allocating capital to PancakeSwap.

1. Capital Efficiency and Low Friction

Compared to Ethereum-based DEXs, PancakeSwap offers:

  • Lower transaction costs
  • Faster execution
  • Deeper retail liquidity

For funds deploying large positions, minimizing friction is essential. Lower fees directly improve net yield and reduce slippage risk — making PancakeSwap an attractive venue for active liquidity provision and yield optimization.

2. Fee-Based Yield Over Inflationary Rewards

Early DeFi relied heavily on token emissions to attract TVL. Smart money now avoids unsustainable yield.

PancakeSwap has shifted toward:

  • Fee-driven rewards
  • Trading volume–backed income
  • Reduced reliance on token inflation

This aligns with institutional preferences for predictable, revenue-based yield, similar to dividends in traditional finance.

3. Ecosystem Stickiness

TVL on PancakeSwap increasingly comes from:

  • Stablecoin liquidity pools
  • Blue-chip token pairs
  • Long-term LP strategies

This is “boring” capital — and that’s a good thing. Boring capital stays longer, churns less, and supports sustainable protocol growth.

PancakeSwap TVL as a Leading Indicator for DeFi Cycles

Historically, TVL trends on major DEXs have preceded broader market movements.

When PancakeSwap TVL:

  • Stabilizes → Risk appetite is returning
  • Gradually increases → Accumulation phase
  • Rapidly spikes → Late-cycle speculation
  • Slowly declines → Capital rotation, not panic

Smart money uses these patterns to:

  • Time liquidity deployment
  • Reduce exposure before volatility spikes
  • Identify early recovery phases

For investors focused on wealth preservation and compounding income, understanding these cycles can significantly improve long-term returns.

How to Analyze PancakeSwap TVL Trends

To analyze PancakeSwap TVL trends effectively:

  1. Track long-term TVL direction, not daily spikes
  2. Monitor stablecoin vs volatile asset allocation
  3. Compare TVL growth against trading volume
  4. Watch for slow accumulation rather than sudden surges
  5. Cross-reference TVL with protocol fee generation

Institutional Behavior Is Quiet — but Visible On-Chain

Unlike retail traders, institutions don’t announce their moves on social media.

They:

  • Deploy capital gradually
  • Avoid price impact
  • Spread liquidity across pools
  • Optimize yield rather than chase hype

This behavior shows up clearly in TVL data.

When PancakeSwap’s TVL increases steadily without dramatic price appreciation, it often indicates professional accumulation, not retail FOMO.

These are the moments smart money watches most closely.

Risk Management: Why TVL Also Signals When to Be Cautious

TVL isn’t just a bullish indicator — it’s also a risk management tool.

Falling TVL can signal:

  • Reduced yield competitiveness
  • Security concerns
  • Regulatory pressure
  • Better opportunities elsewhere

Smart investors monitor not just the absolute TVL number, but:

  • Rate of change
  • Distribution across pools
  • Stablecoin vs volatile asset allocation

A slow, orderly TVL decline often suggests capital rotation, not panic — while sudden drops warrant closer inspection.

PancakeSwap vs Other DEXs: Why TVL Context Matters

TVL should never be viewed in isolation.

Smart money compares:

  • PancakeSwap TVL vs Uniswap
  • Cross-chain liquidity migration
  • Relative fee generation per dollar locked

PancakeSwap’s advantage lies in its ability to retain liquidity during downturns, particularly among yield-focused investors who prioritize income over speculation.

This resilience makes its TVL trends especially valuable as a market sentiment barometer.

Is TVL a Leading Indicator in Crypto Markets?

Yes, TVL is considered a leading indicator in crypto markets because changes in locked capital often occur before price movements.

Rising TVL suggests accumulation and confidence, while declining TVL can signal capital rotation or reduced risk appetite.

What Retail Investors Get Wrong About TVL

Many retail investors:

  • Chase TVL spikes after they happen
  • Ignore TVL distribution quality
  • Focus on short-term APYs

Smart money does the opposite:

  • Enters during flat or slowly rising TVL
  • Prefers sustainable yield
  • Avoids overcrowded pools

Understanding PancakeSwap’s TVL trends helps bridge this gap — and puts retail investors on a more professional footing.

How TVL Impacts Long-Term Wealth and Income Strategies

For investors focused on long-term wealth, income diversification, and debt-free cash flow, PancakeSwap’s TVL trends offer several insights:

  • Where sustainable yield is forming
  • When risk-adjusted returns improve
  • How capital is reallocating within DeFi
  • When speculation is cooling or heating up

TVL is not about predicting tomorrow’s price — it’s about positioning capital intelligently.

Why Smart Money Watches — And Acts Quietly

The biggest misconception in crypto investing is that opportunity comes from speed.

In reality, opportunity comes from positioning.

Smart money watches PancakeSwap’s TVL because:

  • It reveals real capital behavior
  • It filters noise from signal
  • It highlights sustainable income opportunities
  • It provides early insight into DeFi cycle shifts

By the time price reacts, the best positioning has often already occurred.

Conclusion: TVL Is the Language of Serious Capital

If you care about:

  • Finance over hype
  • Wealth over speculation
  • Income over short-term gains
  • Investment discipline over emotion

Then PancakeSwap’s TVL trends deserve your attention.

In an environment where narratives change weekly, TVL remains one of the few metrics that consistently reflects truth — what investors are actually doing with their money.

And right now, that truth is clear:

Smart money is watching PancakeSwap closely — and positioning accordingly.

If you want to invest like smart money, start by watching what it watches.

If this breakdown helped you understand PancakeSwap’s TVL, you’ll also want to see how professional investors track liquidity shifts across protocols and chains.

Explore our related DeFi and smart money articles on Medium to build a complete, risk-aware investment framework.


Why Smart Money Tracks PancakeSwap TVL (And What It Signals for DeFi Investors) was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

WSU’s inflatable robotic apple-picker could take a bite out of farm labor shortages

7 January 2026 at 12:40

Never mind the Apple Cup. Washington State University is focused on the apple grip and the apple pick.

Researchers in WSU’s School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering unveiled a low-cost robotic apple-picking arm designed to help offset labor shortages for tasks such as harvesting and pruning, according to a news release Wednesday.

The inflatable arm can see an apple, extend and retract to pick fruit in about 25 seconds (as demonstrated in the video above). Mounted on a metal base and weighing about 50 pounds, the 2-foot-long arm is made of a soft fabric filled with air.

Researchers published their work in the journal Smart Agricultural Technology. The team is collaborating with researchers at the Prosser Research Extension Center and with Manoj Karkee at Cornell University to adapt the arm to an automated moving platform that is also being developed to move through orchards.

Washington state leads the nation in apple and sweet cherry production, contributing more than $2 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product in 2023, according to WSU. Farms across the state employ hundreds of workers annually for orchard tasks such as pollination, pruning, flower thinning and harvesting. But an aging population and a decline in migrant farmworkers have made it harder for growers to meet labor needs during harvest season.

Compared to humans who can pick an apple every three seconds, the robotic arm is still slow. The researchers are refining some of the mechanical components as well as working to improve its rudimentary detection system, which hinders the picking more than the robotic arm’s movement, WSU Insider reported.

Deploying robots in fruit harvesting and other aspects of agriculture is not a new concept. Apple-picking technology is also being developed at Oregon State University, Michigan State University, and elsewhere. WSU says that some robotic harvesting systems can be large, expensive and complex to use in orchards.

“Having this very low-cost, safe robotic platform is ideal for the orchard environment,” said Ryan Dorosh, a PhD candidate and lead author on the work.

The researchers are working with WSU’s Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship team for the intellectual property protection and commercialization of the technology. The work was funded by the National Science Foundation, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission and tested at Allan Brothers Fruit in Prosser, Washington.

Benefits of organic farming

3 July 2025 at 05:56

In a world where sustainability and health are growing priorities, organic farming is more than ever a useful and necessary alternative. This practice not only promotes healthier foods and products but also protects our environment and improves soil quality, ensuring that subsequent crops will not be compromised in quality.

As the demand for organic products grows, it’s essential to understand what organic farming entails and why it’s a worthwhile option for both farmers and consumers. Today, we’ll tell you all about this farming method and its main advantages. Let’s go!

Organic fertilizers help achieve better flavor and aroma

A cannabis plant grown with organic fertilizers

What is organic farming?

Organic farming is an agricultural system that avoids the use of synthetic chemicals, such as pesticides and artificial fertilizers. Instead, it relies on natural practices that promote soil health and biodiversity, such as crop rotation, composting, allelopathy, or the use of organic fertilizers and ecological pest control.

This approach seeks to maintain an ecological balance between the crop and its environment, fostering harmonious interactions between plants, animals, and microorganisms. Furthermore, organic farming respects natural cycles and minimizes environmental impact, contributing to long-term sustainability. Finally, and in the particular case of cannabis, it’s the way to achieve the best flavors and aromas in both buds and resin extractions, creating a rich and intense array of terpenes that allows you to discover the true potential of your plants.

[productes tipus=”fitxa” tag=”118″ nfitxes=”3″]

Benefits of organic farming for plants, consumers, and the environment

As we’ve said, growing organically brings a number of significant benefits, from improved flavor and aroma to greater sustainability and a reduced environmental impact. Here are some of the main advantages of this technique:

For plants:

  • Greater resistance to pests and diseases: A healthy and balanced soil strengthens plants’ natural defenses. For example, adding microbial life to the substrate significantly improves resistance to dreaded pests such as Fusarium and Pythium.
  • Development of stronger root systems: Improves nutrient and water absorption, promoting vigorous growth and lush flowering.

For the consumer:

  • Foods and products free of chemical residues: Reduces exposure to potentially harmful substances, as well as the need for root washing to prevent salt buildup in the substrate.
  • Products with higher nutritional content and more intense flavor: In the vast majority of cases, the flavor and aroma of cannabis buds have better organoleptic qualities than when using mineral fertilizers, something that also influences the production of resin concentrates such as hashish or rosin.

For the environment:

  • Reducing soil and water pollution: By avoiding the use of agrochemicals, soil fertility and the reproduction of microorganisms beneficial to plants are enhanced.
  • Biodiversity conservation: Promotes natural habitats and sustainable agricultural practices that enhance the activity of microbial life and other plants that can have a positive impact on the crop, such as allelopathic plants or cover crops.
Outdoor cultivation and organic fertilizers, guaranteed success

Outdoor plants fed with organic fertilizer usually produce the highest quality

Organic farming and microbial life

Soil microbial life, or microlife, is fundamental to organic farming. Microorganisms, such as beneficial bacteria and fungi, play a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter and the release of essential plant nutrients. They are also key players in the so-called soil food web. In other words, these organisms are responsible for “preparing” your plants’ food from the ingredients you’ve provided, i.e., fertilizers.

Furthermore, these microorganisms help improve soil structure, increasing its water retention and aeration capacity. Soil rich in microbial life is more fertile and resilient, which translates into healthier and more productive crops. Finally, and as we’ve already mentioned, the use of certain beneficial fungi greatly reduces the appearance of pathogenic fungi that attack roots and can destroy your plants in record time.

Living Soil: The Soul of Organic Growing

The concept of Living Soil is an evolution of the traditional organic approach. It’s not just about avoiding chemicals, but about creating a self-sustaining underground ecosystem rich in microbial life, organic matter, and beneficial organisms such as earthworms, mycorrhizae, and nematodes. Furthermore, properly prepared soil allows you to use only water for irrigation, with the advantages this brings in terms of convenience and sustainability.

Living soil nourishes and regenerates itself, reducing the need for external fertilizers. Furthermore, this type of soil improves water retention, enhances biodiversity, and promotes the development of healthier, more resilient plants. In short, Living Soil is the most sophisticated and natural version of organic farming. You’ll find all the information you need about this interesting technique in the following post:

Living soil, what is it and how to prepare it?

How to use organic fertilizers

The proper use of organic fertilizers is key to achieving the best results. There are different types of fertilizers, and their application depends on the type of crop, the stage of growth, and the characteristics of the soil.

Types of fertilizers

You’ll find two main types of organic fertilizers: liquid and solid. Both are equally effective, so choosing one or the other largely depends on your preferences. If you’re preparing organic living soil or super soil, we recommend solid fertilizers. If you want complete control over the nutrients supplied with each watering, liquid fertilizers are the best option.

  • Liquid organic fertilizers: They dissolve easily in irrigation water and are ideal for applying nutrients quickly and efficiently. Recommended during active growth or flowering phases, as well as for many additives, which are often found in this format.
  • Solid or granulated organic fertilizers: These are applied directly to the soil and release nutrients slowly and steadily. They are excellent for enriching the substrate at the beginning of the crop or as a nutrient base. They also allow you to water with just water for weeks, without having to worry about preparing nutrient solutions with liquid fertilizers. If during the crop you notice any nutrient deficiencies that need to be corrected quickly, you can always use liquid fertilizer during a few waterings to solve the problem in a few days.

[productes tipus=”file” ids=”21200,21152,21000″]

Frequency of use

  • Most liquid organic fertilizers are applied once a week during the growth and flowering phase, adjusting the dosage according to the plants’ response. If you notice deficiencies in a nutrient, you can increase the concentration of fertilizer when you water, or increase the frequency of application (for example, fertilizing twice a week instead of just once).
  • Solid fertilizers are usually applied at the beginning of the growing cycle or as a monthly boost. Occasionally, at the start of flowering, you may want to add a specific solid nutrient to improve bud development during this important stage.

Key tip:

When it comes to fertilizers, it’s always better to underfeed than overfeed. Although organic fertilizers are less aggressive than chemical fertilizers, too much can unbalance the soil and cause visible symptoms in your plants, such as dark green, claw-shaped leaves. Monitor your plants and adjust the dosage and frequency of feeding according to their needs.

Organic fertilizers have everything your plants need

Proper fertilization results in excellent yields (Image: Indorgro)

Main brands of organic fertilizers

There are several brands on the market offering high-quality organic fertilizers. Some of the most recognized, which you can find in our catalog, are:

  • Biobizz: Specializing in 100% certified organic fertilizers and substrates, Biobizz is a leading brand in organic and sustainable agriculture.
  • Canna (BIOCANNA line): This 100% organic product line is specially developed for soil cultivation. BIOCANNA fertilizers are certified organic and contain no animal residue, ensuring clean and sustainable cultivation.
  • Plagron: Offers a range of certified organic fertilizers, such as Alga Grow and Alga Bloom, made from algae extracts and other natural ingredients.
  • Guanokalong: Famous for its bat guano-based fertilizers, a rich, natural source of phosphorus and other essential nutrients. You’ll find Guanokalong products in both liquid and solid forms.
  • Biotabs: Known for its solid fertilizer tablet system, Biotabs offers practical and efficient solutions for long-term organic growing. Biotabs also offers a range of liquid additives to help you get the most out of your plants.

These brands have been selected for their commitment to quality and sustainability, offering effective options for those seeking more responsible farming practices.

Tips and advice on organic farming

If you’re interested in exploring this method further, here are a few techniques you can use to further improve the efficiency of your crop :

  • Crop rotation: Alternating different types of plants in the same field helps prevent disease and improves soil health.
  • Composting: Using organic waste to make compost enriches the soil with essential nutrients.
  • Biological pest control: Encouraging the presence of beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and bees, helps maintain ecosystem balance and control pests naturally.
  • Use of organic fertilizers and additives: Applying natural fertilizers and supplements improves soil fertility without the negative effects of synthetic chemicals. And remember: more isn’t always better, so be sure to never exceed the manufacturer’s recommended dosage.
  • Monitoring Soil pH: Maintaining proper pH is crucial for plant nutrient uptake. For example, if you notice nutrient deficiencies or poor growth during the first few weeks of growing, it’s likely more of a pH issue than a nutrient deficiency. Many growers add dolomite to adjust soil pH and prevent future problems.

Vermicompost: what it is and how to prepare it

As you can see, organic farming represents a viable and beneficial alternative to conventional agriculture, where mineral fertilizers are often overused. By focusing on sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, you not only obtain healthier and higher-quality products but you also contribute to the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity.

Adopting organic farming is a step toward a more sustainable future, where the health of the planet and its inhabitants is a priority, and without compromising the quality or quantity of the product you’ll get, whether we’re talking about tasty tomatoes or aromatic buds. At least we’re very clear about that!

Happy harvest!

The post Benefits of organic farming appeared first on Alchimia blog.

Applications of hydrogen peroxide in crops

3 February 2023 at 04:29

Hydrogen peroxide is a substance that enjoys great popularity, since it can be found in most homes in the world, being used mainly as a disinfectant for wounds. Who does not have a small bottle of hydrogen peroxide in their medicine cabinet?

However, these disinfectant properties can be very useful for the grower for various reasons, from disinfecting tools to increasing the germination rate of the seeds. But not everything ends here… Today we are going to tell you all the secrets of hydrogen peroxide applied to crops, you will see that there are more than you can imagine!

Do not hesitate: hydrogen peroxide is an excellent ally for any gardener or grower

Do not doubt it: hydrogen peroxide is an excellent ally for any gardener or grower

What is hydrogen peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was invented in 1818 by the French chemist Louis-Jacques Thenard. He was the first to discover the compound through a process of electrolysis of manganese dioxide and hydrogen peroxide. Thenard was also the first to produce hydrogen peroxide in a pure and stable form, also to describe its chemical properties.

Thenard used hydrogen peroxide to oxidize organic compounds, and his work with the compound helped establish oxidation theory in chemistry. It was also used as an oxidant in the production of hydrogen peroxide and in the synthesis of organic compounds.

In the first years of its discovery, hydrogen peroxide was used mainly in the textile and paper industry. Over time, more applications for the compound were discovered, such as in medicine and the food industry. It is important to mention that hydrogen peroxide was not invented, but discovered, since this is a chemical compound that already exists in nature, and its discovery was due to the ability of this French chemist to produce it in a pure and stable form.

Hydrogen peroxide applications

Hydrogen peroxide is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor of ozone, a form of liquid oxygen that is commonly used as a disinfectant and bleach. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down rapidly into water and oxygen, making it a very safe substance to use in most applications.

In industry, it is used in a wide range of activities, such as in the production of paper, textiles, food, and pharmaceuticals. It is also widely used as an oxidant in a multitude of chemical processes, such as the production of hydrogen peroxide and the synthesis of organic compounds.

Added to the water, hydrogen peroxide will provide extra oxygen, in addition to preventing the appearance of algae or fungal diseases (Image: おにぎり)

Added to the water, hydrogen peroxide will provide extra oxygen, in addition to preventing the appearance of algae or fungal diseases (Image: おにぎり)

In the medical field, hydrogen peroxide is mainly used as a disinfectant for wounds and as a dental whitener. It is also used in the food industry as a preservative and to sanitize kitchen utensils and equipment.

In the home, its uses are also varied, being used as a bleach for clothes or as a disinfectant for surfaces and kitchen utensils. It is also used to remove stains and bad odors. As you know, people even use it to bleach their hair!

Use of hydrogen peroxide in crops

Agriculture is no exception, and hydrogen peroxide is also used in various ways on both plants and soil. However, despite being approved for organic agriculture by different associations and international organizations, care must be taken with its use and with doses, as they can end up being harmful, especially for the substrate. Normally, doses are used in low concentrations, between 3% and 15%.

IMPORTANT: Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used as a disinfectant since it eliminates a wide variety of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or spores. For this reason, it is not recommended to use it on the substrate or irrigation water if you are adding microbial life to the growing medium. You can sanitize the soil first, and once that’s done, stop using H2O2 and start adding micro life.

In agriculture, hydrogen peroxide can be used to revitalize a soil, or to improve its texture if it has become too compact (Image: Johannes Plenio)

In agriculture, hydrogen peroxide can be used to revitalize soil or to improve its texture if it has become too compact (Image: Johannes Plenio)

Benefits of using hydrogen peroxide in crops

Below is a list of some of the advantages offered by the use of hydrogen peroxide in your crop, whether we are talking about cannabis or any other type of plant or vegetable. Broadly speaking, you can use it to:

  • Take advantage of its fungicidal, bactericidal, sporicidal, and virucidal action
  • Disinfect crop tools
  • Prevent the formation of lime deposits in automatic irrigation systems
  • Remove chlorine
  • Degrade pesticides or herbicides present in the substrate
  • Reduce the appearance of algae in irrigation tanks
  • Check the pH level
  • Favor the decomposition of organic matter (it should not be used in compost)
  • Increase the presence of oxygen in the substrate, improving the oxygenation of roots
  • Improve nutrient assimilation and seed germination
  • Stimulate leaf growth

In addition, and as we have mentioned, it is approved for organic agriculture thanks to its low toxicity, being 100% biodegradable, and not generating harmful residues during its decomposition. A very popular H2O2-based product is Liquid Oxygen from Growth Technology.

We can improve the germination rate of marijuana seeds thanks to hydrogen peroxide (Image: deeaf)

We can improve the germination rate of marijuana seeds thanks to hydrogen peroxide (Image: deeaf)

How to use hydrogen peroxide in crops

  • Disinfection: As we have seen, the range of possible uses for H2O2 for a grower is really wide. Undoubtedly, one of the most common applications is as a disinfectant. If what you need is to disinfect cultivation tools, irrigation tubes or droppers from your hydroponic system, irrigation tanks, or pots, a concentration of 20-30ml of 10-volume hydrogen peroxide (the one you buy at the pharmacy) for each liter of water will do.
  • Pest prevention: H2O2 can be very useful to prevent pests and combat them once established, especially fungal ones, often being used as an alternative pesticide to control pests and plant diseases. It can be mixed with water and applied directly to the leaves to kill insects and fungi. For this type of application, also on the ground in the case of fungus gnats or in tanks to eliminate algae, a dose of 15ml of hydrogen peroxide at 10 volumes per liter of water is recommended.
  • Improving the soil and plant nutrition: The soil where you want to grow may be too compact, so it will hardly contain oxygen. Or you may want to remove traces of a herbicide that you know has been applied. For this type of application, which in the long run will favor the assimilation of nutrients and the development of plants, a dose of 20-30ml of H2O2 per liter of water is recommended. Remember one thing: you should not mix hydrogen peroxide with fertilizers, but rather use it alone with water and wait 2-3 days before using nutrients again.
  • Improve seed germination: A trick that any seasoned grower knows is to add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to the water that is going to be used to germinate seeds. In addition to the extra oxygenation that is provided to the water, the antifungal action of H2O2 greatly reduces the appearance of fungi during this critical phase, which usually results in seed rot. For this, about 10ml of hydrogen peroxide per liter of water will be enough.

As you have been able to verify, there are many possible applications of this substance, which you surely have at home and which is really easy to use. Do you know more applications that we can give to hydrogen peroxide? Do you have any questions about the content of this article? Share them in the comments section and we will not delay in answering you.

Happy harvest!

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References:

  • The Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on Plant Growth, Mineral Accumulation, as Well as Biological and Chemical Properties of Ficus deltoidea, Nik Nurnaeimah, Nashriyah Mat, Khamsah Mohd, Noor Afiza Badaluddin, Nornasuha Yusoff, Mohammad Hailmi Sajili – Hailmi M.S., Mahmud Khairil, Ahmad faris, Mohd Adnan, Mohammad Moneruzzaman Khandaker
  • Recent Insights Into the Double Role of Hydrogen Peroxide in Plants, Naser A. Anjum, Sarvajeet Singh Gill, Francisco J. Corpas, Cristina Ortega-Villasante, Luis E. Hernandez, Narendra Tuteja, Adriano Sofo, Mirza Hasanuzzaman and Masayuki Fujita
  • Hydrogen peroxide metabolism and functions in plants, Nicholas Smirnoff, Dominique Arnaud

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