Can we add around 5% Bio char to coco perlite medi...
SierraKilo1313started grow question 3mo ago
Can we add around 5% Bio char to coco perlite medium and water with nutrients every other feed is good idea for my upcoming grow ?
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00110001001001111Oanswered grow question 3mo ago
Seems like it'd be better as a soil amendment and not mixed into a soilless medium. Unless you are using coco as a base for something with multiple amendments not listed. Better to think of it as you would a soil at that point as far as methods and the whys and hows of it. Adding biochar to a soilless grow is definitely less useful than adding it to a soil - even if coco coir is the base for a living or super 'soil,' it's a 'soil' in that context as far as how to treat it.
In a soilless medium, you should also fertilize every irrigation with a minimum 10% runoff (this prevents buildup and maintains a consistent equilibrium and balance of nutes around the roots). That's one of the reasons why you get superior growth with soilless -- a consistent level of nutes at a proper ratio that doesn't impede each other. Nutrients intake is an active process so the balance slowly is lost over time because of how the plant naturally functions, but the constant fertigation+runoff resets it each time. This isn't a personal opinion. It's a well-known best practice that predates the marijuana hobby.
Might need a lower concentration compared to every-other irrigation. 600-700ppm of a well-balanced feed is all you need. Going over that just pollutes your local water table more than necessary. .e.g you 'can' feed with 100ppm of P but the plant is not going to make use of large portions which then goes down the drain with the runoff.
squalinoanswered grow question 3mo ago
hello my friend
It's a great idea to experiment with Biochar, but using it in a Coco/Perlite substrate requires a little adjustment compared to a classic soil culture.
Here is my analysis for your next grow:
1. Biochar in Coconut (Dosage)
5% is the “sweet spot”: This is an excellent dosage. Biochar acts as a nutrient sponge (thanks to its porosity) and improves the structure of the substrate.
Be careful with buffering: Biochar tends to increase the pH and can absorb Calcium/Magnesium. Make sure to "load" (pre-soak) your biochar with a solution of Cal-Mag and nutrients before mixing it with your coco, otherwise it will "steal" the nutrients from your first weeks of growth.
2. Watering frequency: Nutrients every other time?
This is where I would be more careful. Coconut is an inert substrate (unlike earth):
The risk: By watering with clear water every other time, you risk disrupting the stability of the coconut buffer and creating fluctuations in pH and EC in the pot.
My recommendation: In coco, the golden rule is to give nutrients with each watering, but at a lower dose (lower EC).
The Biochar exception: Biochar will retain some of the nutrients, which gives you a small margin of safety. However, I would advise you to feed each time with a light drainage (10-20% run-off) to rinse out the accumulated salts.
3. The benefits for your grow
Microbiology: Biochar provides a perfect habitat for beneficial microbes (like Mycorrhizae). If you add some, they will love to settle in the pores of the biochar.
Water retention: This will allow you to space out your watering a little more, which is practical if you do not cultivate automatically.
In summary: Yes for the 5% Biochar (pre-loaded with nutrients!), but I would stick to constant fertilization at each watering to keep a stable pH in your coconut
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HinduGodanswered grow question 3mo ago
DA BIOCHAR NEEDS TO BE PRECHARGED BEFORE ADDING!!! I SUGGEST SOAKING IT IN A SOUTION DAT IS 1.5/2X YOUR INTENDED NUTRIENT STRENGTH FOR AROUND 48HRS!!! WHEN I GROW IN DA COCO I FEED NUTRIENTS EVERY FEEDING!!! MOST TIMES WITH 3-25% RUNOFF DEPENDING ON DA STAGE OF DA PLANTS!!!
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TruTraTrianswered grow question 3mo ago
Well, you got to the point you compose or at least alternate your medium. For reason only you know. So without knowing details, aims, what else do you use... Everyone who says yes or no is basically wrong and can't answer your question. Even more if you already came up with a number in %.. you are already positive it helps😁
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