New To Organics Having Some Issues

[GenericEnigma]

yes I am using LEDs. There is some run off when I’m doing my watering. Why is it bad to have runoff in living soil?

Im going to topdress with 3tbs of the bloom fertilizer and add work castings as well. I’m going to start doing the compost tea again too.

I agree with you that this grow is going to be a learning experience. It doesn’t look like it’s going to be big in terms of yield but it will yield some critical knowledge for sure.

In salt-based fertilizer systems, nutrients leave behind some salts which need to be cleared away. Watering to runoff does this. In living soil systems, this isn't necessary (nutrients are transported in other ways). So when you water, especially with RO, the water picks up nutrients from the soil - and then get wasted with any runoff. Without runoff, all those nutrients stay in the root zone.

I think you are struggling with a balance between RO water, lots of fertilizers, and high temps. Laying off fertilizing for a bit has helped restore balance, but it will be a tightrope-walk to get final product. Getting those daytime temps down will reduce risks. Either way, have fun and enjoy the process!

 

[King_Kush86]

In salt-based fertilizer systems, nutrients leave behind some salts which need to be cleared away. Watering to runoff does this. In living soil systems, this isn't necessary (nutrients are transported in other ways). So when you water, especially with RO, the water picks up nutrients from the soil - and then get wasted with any runoff. Without runoff, all those nutrients stay in the root zone.

I think you are struggling with a balance between RO water, lots of fertilizers, and high temps. Laying off fertilizing for a bit has helped restore balance, but it will be a tightrope-walk to get final product. Getting those daytime temps down will reduce risks. Either way, have fun and enjoy the process!

Thanks for the help brother!

 

[farmingfisherman]

Curious how long into veg you were before you started top dressing and the teas? My experience is (limited) but the soil you are using was likely hot enough to get you several weeks into veg.
Good luck with the rest of the run.

 

[King_Kush86]

Curious how long into veg you were before you started top dressing and the teas? My experience is (limited) but the soil you are using was likely hot enough to get you several weeks into veg.
Good luck with the rest of the run.

I waited 3 weeks before my first top dress.