Guide to substrate regeneration
Living Soil — Dogma approach
Living soil is not thrown away: it is regenerated. After each cultivation cycle, the Supersoil / Living Soil substrate still contains a rich biological and nutritional potential that, with proper care, can be restored to full efficiency for a new cycle.
Regeneration is one of the core principles of the Dogma Organics method. It reduces costs and allows the substrate to improve cycle after cycle, accumulating biological structure, microbial diversity, and nutritional memory.
A properly regenerated soil is often richer and more responsive than the original substrate: micro-life multiplies, structure consolidates, and the system evolves.
1. When to regenerate — signals
There is no fixed number of cycles: the substrate communicates its condition.
Signals indicating regeneration is needed
- Roots occupying the entire available volume
- Much faster drying compared to previous cycles
- Compact and poorly aerated substrate
- Need for nutritional supplementation at the end of the cycle
- Cycle completed without significant stress
When NOT to regenerate
- Presence of severe root diseases (root rot, pythium, fusarium)
- Bad or anaerobic smell
- Completely collapsed structure and compromised drainage
When in doubt, micro-life is resilient: it is often worth attempting regeneration.
2. Phase 1 — Root removal
Removing main roots frees space in the substrate and rebalances the biological system.
- Remove the plant while keeping the root ball intact
- Manually remove the largest roots
- Leave fine and capillary roots
- Avoid damaging substrate structure
- Cut difficult roots with clean scissors
3. Phase 2 — Substrate aeration
Aeration breaks compaction and reactivates aerobic microbial activity.
- Pour the substrate onto a clean surface
- Break up clumps and compacted chunks
- Remove foreign materials and residues
- Restore a soft, friable structure
Oxygenation reactivates aerobic bacteria and mineralization cycles: do not skip this step.
4. Phase 3 — Replenishing organic matter
The substrate must be rebalanced after previous cycles by restoring nutrients and microbiology.
Key elements
- Organic amendments
- Microbial inoculants
- Energy source for micro-life (e.g. molasses)
Procedure
- Mix amendments evenly into the substrate
- Hydrate to proper moisture (do not saturate)
- Add any biological inoculants
- Refill the container with light compaction
5. Phase 4 — Biological rest
Essential phase to stabilize the system and allow micro-life to recolonize the substrate.
- Minimum duration: 15 days (ideal 20–30)
- Temperature: 18–24°C
- Humidity: stable but not excessive
- Light: absent or indirect
- Aerate every 3–4 days
Shortening the rest period drastically reduces regeneration effectiveness.
6. Phase 5 — Final check
Signs of a ready substrate
- Natural earthy smell (forest floor)
- Soft and well-aggregated structure
- Visible mycelium presence
- Slight thermal activity
- Uniform moisture
If it is not ready
- Extend rest by 7–10 days
- Add molasses to reactivate micro-life
- Check temperature and humidity
7. How many times can it be regenerated
There is no fixed limit: a well-managed substrate can be regenerated for many cycles.
- Microbial biodiversity increases
- Physical structure improves
- System stability grows
The limit is reached when the structure degrades (peat and coco collapse).
- Add 30–40% fresh substrate
- Or restart with a new mix
Advanced systems can reach 5–10 cycles while maintaining high biological efficiency.
