Shijo_Kingo
Shijo_Kingostarted grow question 5mo ago
If you would use an organic, non fertilised soil with enzymes being given throughout an 8-10 week cycle and a top dressing of worm compost given each second cycle, how often would you change the soil? I.e.: how many cycles would you run with the same soil and why?
Solved
likes
squalino
squalinoanswered grow question 5mo ago
Hi there. It's always a topic for discussion, but the principle is good. In an organic system with enzymes and worm compost, we no longer consider the soil as just a disposable medium, but as an ecosystem. As long as the physical structure of the soil doesn't collapse, you can go through dozens of cycles. 1. Why not change the soil? The Soil Trophic Network: The older the soil, the more stable and effective the colonies of beneficial bacteria and fungi (mycorrhizae) are. By changing the soil, you start from scratch and lose that natural "immune system." The Enzymes: By providing them throughout the cycle, you help break down the dead roots from the previous cycle to turn them into nutrients. This prevents the soil from suffocating. 2. The regeneration strategy (The key point) The soil doesn't wear out; it depletes its nutrients. Here's how I would manage the cycles: Worm compost addition: Your top-dressing every two cycles is a good base, but for the long term, I would add a bit between each cycle. Mineral amendments: After 3 or 4 cycles, the soil may lack trace minerals. A bit of basalt, rock dust, or dolomite lime helps maintain pH and mineral structure. The "No-Till": Ideally, you shouldn't even turn the soil. You cut the plant at the base, leave the roots in the pot, and just replant next to it. The enzymes will do the rest. 3. When should you really change? There are only two valid reasons to throw away your soil: Salt accumulation: If you've mistakenly used mineral fertilizers, the soil becomes toxic. Massive infestation: If you have root pests (like root aphids) that keep coming back every cycle. My analysis: If you stick to your program (enzymes + worm compost), you can easily last 3 to 5 years (or 10-15 cycles) without changing the soil. The only thing you'll do is add a bit of organic matter on top to compensate for what the plant has consumed. I hope the answer isn't too long. Have a great day!
1 like
Complain
Selected By The Grower
ATLien415
ATLien415answered grow question 5mo ago
until it cannot be remediated without more effort than it is worth, really...biggest issue would be hydrophobic properties as long as you are doing trad stuff to tend to the web every 2/3 weeks, you can go a really long time. not sure exactly what a nonfertilized soil is but there are plenty of examples of 10/20 year old living web beds outdoors. size def helps with longevity and regenerative capabilties too
1 like
Complain
AsNoriu
AsNoriuanswered grow question 5mo ago
decomposition of roots in soil and ph swing - ask this fraze of google or any other search engine or AI ..... Theory and practice are two different things. If you do for fun, no need of results - play up, try everything, i went through years of trials and errors, but now i understand processes and know how to maximize harvest. In my personal view, thats biggest thread.
1 like
Complain
PurpleHazeSoldiers
PurpleHazeSoldiersanswered grow question 5mo ago
This is not really living soil but with living soil 5 years if done correctly. When done correctly you can feed th soil with compost tea and preferably some clovers or other small plants growing on surface to keep the soil living. And you want to add some nutrients like kelp, seaweed, worm casting, chicken shit, bat shit once in a while and some molasses to feed the bacteria. Also give additional fertilizer and nutrients in between grows. I dont know why the other grower complains about roots because with living soil you can just let them sit. If you are interested just do some research it is not that hard to archive but it is also not just add worm casting and done... Have fun growing! 💚
1 like
Complain
AsNoriu
AsNoriuanswered grow question 5mo ago
Once. You just cant get rid of roots fast, you can't enrich soil back to good npk levels without composting. I did runs with 0 feeding during life cycle, plants developed way worse, had 30% smaller harvest too ... One of many attempts : growdiaries.com/diaries/164016-grow-journal-by-asnoriu
1 like
Complain
Organoman
Organomananswered grow question 5mo ago
When growing in pots, once................new plants = new soil. The build up of pathogens, pests and salts is a real issue that can not be avoided. The soil is the basis for success, so why run the risk of an entire grow failing by trying to save a few dollars by re-using depleted soil? The cost and effort involved with replenishing depleted soil into something usable again, is just as expensive as new soil, so why bother?? Over the last 30+ years of growing exclusively "organically", I have proven to myself that re-using soil in pots is bad practice.
1 like
Complain
TruTraTri
TruTraTrianswered grow question 5mo ago
Never... if you add some stuff and recycle
1 like
Complain