Reusing organic soil

[Ken127]

I grew some flowers in organic soil and saved the soil after I harvested. My question is, can I reuse that organic soil and run synthetic nutrients (general hydroponics trio) in the old organic soil.

 

[Richard Drysift]

Of course you can. Or just add compost and fertilizer and use it for another run… nutes or not. Soil does not degrade it just becomes inactive over time; adding compost (worm castings) will recharge it while fertilizer/amendments replace npk value. If you plan to use this soil indefinitely I suggest adding in some dolomite lime along with everything else and then let it set for a few weeks to normalize ph.

 

[Ken127]

Thanks for the info

 

[crimsonecho]

i havent thrown away a cup of soil in the last 5 years always reusing it adding more ewc and organic matter

 

[Ken127]

Thanks

 

[hillbill]

ROLS here over 10 years, 50% or more of new mixes are reused mix that has had some down time.

 

[Playk328]

You can reuse soil but why would you want to add synthetic ferts to the mix.. Why not just stick with organic.

 

[Nugbender]

Of course you can. Or just add compost and fertilizer and use it for another run… nutes or not. Soil does not degrade it just becomes inactive over time; adding compost (worm castings) will recharge it while fertilizer/amendments replace npk value. If you plan to use this soil indefinitely I suggest adding in some dolomite lime along with everything else and then let it set for a few weeks to normalize ph.

how do you check if the soil is ready to use? I saved my coco coir with organic inputs, the soil is completely dried out right now though

 

[hillbill]

Best to keep some moisture in your mix, makes it better all the time.

 

[calvin.m16]

Enzymes are your friend. Monster gardens has a good page with other tips too.

Recharging and Rejuvenating Soil for Reuse

Whether you’re an indoor grower reusing your soil or prepping your beds for next season, there are a number of ways to prepare your soil for reuse. Start by breaking up the soil. Then add humus, amendments and inoculants to add nutrients and life to your soil. Apply a little compost tea to kick...

monstergardens.com

 

[Richard Drysift]

how do you check if the soil is ready to use? I saved my coco coir with organic inputs, the soil is completely dried out right now though

That’s not really organic soil unless you add a bunch of compost to it. I would add about 1/3 worm castings to your coco mix along with an assortment of amendments, fertilizer, minerals and perlite. Usually takes about 30 days for whatever organic inputs you put in the mix to normalize ph depending upon what/how much you added. Ph range at the root zone is the best measure but you’ll need a decent soil probe or do a slurry test to find this out. If you simply wait a month you can usually get away without checking ph at all; I never bother.