Monkey Juice: Beneficial Bacteria for Root Protection and Nutrient Cycling

Monkey Juice is a concentrated beneficial bacteria inoculant containing Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis—two scientifically proven plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). These microorganisms colonize root zones, enhance nutrient availability, suppress pathogenic organisms, and improve plant stress tolerance through documented biological mechanisms.

The Science Behind Beneficial Bacteria

What Are Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria?

PGPR are bacteria that colonize plant root zones (the rhizosphere) and provide measurable benefits to plant growth and health. They work through multiple mechanisms:

• Direct growth promotion – Producing plant hormones and improving nutrient availability
• Biocontrol – Suppressing plant pathogens through competition and antimicrobial compounds
• Induced resistance – Triggering plant immune responses that protect against future infection
• Nutrient cycling – Breaking down organic matter and solubilizing locked nutrients

Bacillus subtilis

One of the most studied beneficial bacteria in agriculture, Bacillus subtilis provides:

Antimicrobial Production

• Produces lipopeptide antibiotics (surfactin, iturin, fengycin)
• These compounds disrupt pathogen cell membranes
• Effective against Fusarium, Pythium, Rhizoctonia, and other root pathogens
• Also suppresses some foliar pathogens through induced resistance

Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR)

• Root colonization by B. subtilis triggers plant defense pathways
• Plants become "primed" to respond faster to pathogen attack
• Protection extends to leaves and stems, not just roots
• Similar to vaccination—plants mount stronger defenses when challenged

Nutrient Solubilization

• Produces organic acids that solubilize phosphorus
• Breaks down organic matter, releasing locked nutrients
• Produces siderophores that improve iron availability

Bacillus licheniformis

Complementing B. subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis provides:

Enhanced Decomposition

• Produces powerful proteases and other enzymes
• Breaks down organic matter faster than many other bacteria
• Releases nitrogen, phosphorus, and micronutrients from organic sources

Phosphorus Solubilization

• Particularly effective at solubilizing phosphorus
• Produces phytase enzyme that releases phosphorus from organic compounds
• Works synergistically with B. subtilis for comprehensive nutrient cycling

Stress Tolerance

• Helps plants tolerate drought and heat stress
• Produces compounds that protect root cells during stress
• Maintains nutrient cycling even under suboptimal conditions

Spore-Forming Advantage

Both Bacillus species form endospores—dormant structures that:

• Remain viable for years without refrigeration
• Survive harsh conditions (heat, desiccation, pH extremes)
• Germinate when conditions are favorable (moisture, nutrients, plant roots)
• Ensure product stability throughout shelf life

Benefits of Monkey Juice

Root Health

• Protects against root rot pathogens (Pythium, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia)
• Promotes healthy white root development
• Improves root zone microbial balance
• Reduces transplant shock

Nutrient Availability

• Solubilizes locked phosphorus
• Breaks down organic matter
• Improves micronutrient availability
• Enhances overall nutrient cycling

Plant Immunity

• Triggers induced systemic resistance
• Primes plants for faster pathogen response
• Provides ongoing protection throughout grow cycle
• Reduces need for chemical disease control

Stress Tolerance

• Improves drought tolerance
• Enhances heat stress recovery
• Supports plants during environmental challenges
• Maintains growth during suboptimal conditions

Application Rates

Standard Rates by System

Why These Rates Work

Unlike nutrients that get consumed, you're introducing living organisms that colonize and multiply on their own. Bacillus species form persistent colonies in the root zone, reproducing using root exudates and organic matter as food sources. You're seeding a colony, not maintaining a concentration—so more isn't always better.

Important Notes for Hydroponic Systems

Beneficial bacteria behave differently in recirculating water systems compared to soil or coco:

• Lower rates required: Hydro systems need less product because bacteria remain suspended in solution rather than colonizing media
• Less frequent application: Add only at water changes—bacteria persist in the reservoir between changes
• DWC/RDWC caution: Use the lowest recommended rate (1 mL/gallon) to avoid bacterial overgrowth that can compete for oxygen
• Maintain oxygenation: Ensure adequate aeration—beneficial bacteria need oxygen to thrive
• No sterile res: Don't use H₂O₂ or chlorine if running beneficials—they kill the bacteria you're adding

Special Applications

• Transplant: Use 4 mL/gallon to help establish in new medium
• Root issues: Increase to 4 mL/gallon temporarily in soil/coco
• Seed starting: 2 mL/gallon for early colonization

Mixing Instructions

Mixing Order

1. Add Armadillo Armour (if using)
2. Add CalMag or PuurCalMag (if using)
3. Add base nutrients
4. Add Bud Booster (if using)
5. Add Sticky Bandit (highly recommended with Monkey Juice)
6. Add Monkey Juice last (or near-last)
7. Check and adjust pH

The Sticky Bandit + Monkey Juice Combo

This combination is highly recommended for maximum benefit:

• Monkey Juice provides the beneficial bacteria
• Sticky Bandit provides carbohydrates to feed them
• Well-fed bacteria colonize faster and more densely
• More bacteria = more antimicrobial compounds, more nutrient cycling, more ISR
• The synergy is documented in agricultural research

Plants and Growing Systems

Best Results With

• Cannabis: Root protection, nutrient cycling, stress tolerance
• Vegetables: All vegetable crops benefit from PGPR inoculation
• Fruits: Improved root health and nutrient uptake
• Ornamentals: Reduced disease incidence

Growing System Notes

Soil and Living Soil (Best Results)

Maximum benefit in systems with organic matter. Bacteria have food sources, establish readily, and the full soil food web benefits from PGPR addition.

Coco Coir (Excellent Results)

Coco provides good habitat for bacteria. Pair with Sticky Bandit for carbohydrate food source since coco has less inherent organic matter.

Hydroponics (Compatible with Caveats)

Works in hydro but requires adjusted rates and careful management:

• Use lower rates: 1-2 mL/gallon for res tanks, 1 mL/gallon for DWC/RDWC
• Less frequent: Add only once per water/reservoir change
• Don't use hydrogen peroxide or chlorine (kills bacteria)
• Maintain proper oxygenation—bacteria need oxygen
• Keep reservoir temperatures moderate (65-75°F)
• Bacteria will colonize root surfaces even in water culture

Compatibility

Compatible Products

• All Cronk nutrient lines (Classic 3-Part, Bonnie & Clyde, PuurOrganics)
• Cronk CalMag and PuurCalMag
• Sticky Bandit (recommended combination)
• Bud Booster, Armadillo Armour
• Compost teas and other microbial products
• Mycorrhizal inoculants

NOT Compatible

• Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) – kills bacteria
• Chlorine/chloramine – kills bacteria
• UV sterilization – kills bacteria
• Ozone treatment – kills bacteria
• Fungicides – many kill beneficial bacteria too

Signs Monkey Juice Is Working

• Healthy white root systems
• Improved plant vigor
• Better stress recovery
• Reduced disease incidence
• Improved nutrient response
• Healthy, earthy root zone smell

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Bacillus bacteria effective for plants?

Bacillus species are plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) with documented benefits: they colonize root surfaces, produce antimicrobial compounds that suppress pathogens, solubilize locked nutrients, and trigger induced systemic resistance in plants. Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis specifically have decades of research supporting their agricultural benefits.

Can I use Monkey Juice in hydroponics?

Yes, but at lower rates than soil or coco. Use 1-2 mL/gallon for reservoir systems or 1 mL/gallon for DWC/RDWC, added only once per water change. Benefits may be more pronounced in soil and coco where organic matter supports bacterial proliferation. In hydro, maintain proper oxygenation and never use hydrogen peroxide or chlorine—these kill the beneficial bacteria.

Should I use Monkey Juice with Sticky Bandit?

Absolutely—this combination is highly recommended. Monkey Juice provides the beneficial bacteria while Sticky Bandit feeds them carbohydrates. Well-fed bacteria colonize faster, produce more beneficial compounds, and outcompete pathogens more effectively. The synergy between microbial inoculants and carbohydrate supplements is well-established in agricultural research.

How do I know if Monkey Juice is working?

Look for: healthier root systems (white, dense roots rather than brown or sparse), improved plant vigor, better stress recovery, and reduced disease incidence. You may also notice improved nutrient uptake (plants responding better to feeding) and a healthy, earthy smell from the root zone rather than stagnant or off odors.

Storage and Handling

• Store in cool, dark location (refrigeration not required but extends life)
• Keep bottle sealed when not in use
• Shelf life: 2+ years (spores remain viable)
• Shake well before use to distribute spores

Need Help?

Our grow support team is here to help you get the best results with Monkey Juice. Contact us at [email protected] or visit our Grower's Resource Center for feed charts and growing guides.