How to loosen compacted soil?
- Thread starter Shaggy78
- Start date
Canada_420
Well-Known Member
Perlite is the best option. I wouldnt be digging up the soil if theres already a plant in it. It will rip up your roots. Best to transplant into a lighter mix. Imo, if you're in flower just leave it be and know for next time
Canada_420
Well-Known Member
Thats a fert. Hows that going to loosen soil?
quirk
Well-Known Member
Not a fertilizer per se, though it contains micronutrient that activate microbial activity in compacted soil releasing polysaccharides which loosen and balance soil structure and pH allowing more oxygen and water to penetrate.
cannabineer
Ursus marijanus
Using a spike if some sort improves aeration and does least root damage.
jadedintrovert
Well-Known Member
I do this. I haven't seen any adverse damage, but plenty of improvement but I only aerate around the perimeter of plant staying away from base.
All good my bad, I often see soil used interchangeably with potting mix and the ground in the cannabis world, here in Aus they generally refer to two seperate things, one being soil mineral based other being organic based.
Dougnsalem
Well-Known Member
And I know for a fact that @hotrodharley agrees with this. Personally, I use a coat hanger; and make sure to hit the root ball too. It breaks up all of that compacted soil. It works good. I have seen nothing negative happen by doing it.....
cannabineer
Ursus marijanus
I would use something girthier. But now we’re on the edge of personal disclosure.
Aussieaceae
Well-Known Member
Just my 2 cents worth here...if you plan on reusing the soil it'd be worth fluffing it out a bit. Brown organic material is best. Maybe just silty.
If you've been using a lot of ferts, it may be salt aiding compaction. Amending the soil with gypsum, as well as brown organic material for next use will help it imo.
Undoubtedly you still want perlite etc.
Indoorsies would have a better idea than I for brown material to use, without much composting. Likely some kind of peat.
Adding some extra drainage in the bottoms of your pots and watering until waste runoff, helps in preventing compaction too, if you didn't add some.
All the best. Cheers.
hotrodharley
Well-Known Member
I do agree. I routinely skewer the hell out of my medium. One of the benefits of hydro is delivering oxygen to the roots. This is a fair try.
How long before I should see my plants perk back up
How long do you think it'll take before I see my plants perk back up
hotrodharley
Well-Known Member
No idea. You’re the one there. Don’t overwater. That’s key. But I promise running something through the roots repeatedly will not harm the plants.