Can I re-use my soil?

videoman

Can I re-use my soil?

This is a common question I hear alot. Soil is a living thing, and think about it, when was the last time you saw a farmer strip off the top layer of soil after harvest, and purchase new soil? It never happens.

Farmers, leave the remnants of there harvest, stalks and what not, are tilled under the soil to compost and rejuvenate the soil. As long as you're replenishing the soil with what the plants have used and let it "cook" a little while, you'll be more than happy with the results.

This may require you buying some organic additives like bat guano, molasses, castings, and what not, but in the end, it will be worth it.
~Peace~

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dursky

I was wondering the same thing.. we both use mollasses and thats what scares me. So just to be safe i got new soil for next grow

BloodShotI'z

Very interesting, Video.

For the most part we are always suggested to not reuse soil because of the risk of pest eggs/larvae/nutrient deficiencies in the soil and risk of infecting new plant with something the former plant had.

But if you had a good grow with little to no pests and the guano/bloodmeal etc. to replenish the soil....I dont see why not. I'd like to see if anyone has already done it. Im sure a good flush is in order if you were using molasses.

I guess if you do try it....you'll know exactly what nutrients/amounts are availabale to the plant and how long they should last....always a plus.

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AzGrOw-N-sMoKe

when i worked t the nursury when we discarded soil we put it in the compost heap..where it would sit an incubate for a couple months..so if you have the time go for it...

videoman

Blood, why would molasses require a good flushing, molass's would feed the soil.
Az, exactly, you do need to cook it.
So far as an infestation, now that could pose a problem for some, but to be honest, its never been a problem for me. It is becasue I use co2 though.
I think during the cooking process, you would kill these off too though.

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Mogie

That is what I do with mine put it in my compost pile. It then get put on the shrubs. They need a little love too. Plus I buy the cheap soil.

BloodShotI'z

Well I would think not flushing would leave some trace nutes in the soil. When you say reuse Im assuming one plant replacing another immediately. Not composting the soil or waiting for any amount of time. Same day new plant.

So I would flush just to have a fresh start. if Im going to add the guano/bloodmeal or whatever to freshen up the soil....I'd flush just to get everything out. But thats just me. Besides....more molasses is going to be added once the new plant goes in.

That would just be my way of doing it. As I have a huge bag of soil waiting for next grow I wont try it just yet. But if someone does please keep us posted.

Yeah yeah yeah...I posted this in the wrong forum. Blame the bud.

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Mogie

It's cool no problem.

videoman

Hey Blood, my friend,
You should compost it, not go from one plant to another.
That would present problems, like a lack of nutes.

I was talking about composting, and recycling your soil, I'm sorry if I caused you any confusion.

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BloodShotI'z

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