Roots Organic Coco Fiber

[cdd10]

So the roots organic feeding schedule says to add 2-3 inches of Coco fiber to the soil as a mulch to avoid soil compaction. Now the first time I didn't add it and the soil does get compacted. Is that applied to the top 2-3 inches of the soil, or is 2-3 inches worth of however big a pot you are using mixed into the soil... I'm thinking mulch like on top of a flower bed.. Am I assuming correct?

 

[Silky Shagsalot]

i would think perlite would be a better choice, and that's mixed in, not added to top.

 

[cdd10]

So you would say add more perlite and don't add the Coco fiber?

 

[cdd10]

Shit Nevermind it's supposed to be on top of soil.. Haha

 

[Grandmah]

How is putting coco on top stopping the soil from becoming compact?

 

[wildernessdjustin]

i am using roots right now with out the coco and havent had any problems with anything.

 

[cdd10]

How is putting coco on top stopping the soil from becoming compact?

Idk read the master feeding schedule. It says to do that. Figured I would try. Says so the soil dry evenly and compaction. Idk this is my first grow... That's why I posted it... Lol

 

[cdd10]

i am using roots right now with out the coco and havent had any problems with anything.

I'm not having any problems I didn't use the Coco this time. Figured I might try it next time... Lol

 

[SpicySativa]

Using mulch prevents compaction because you don't dislodge the soil each time you water. Compaction happens at the soil surface when you dump water on and it stirs up the soil, which then settles into a more compact layer. The fines sink to the bottom of that layer, and all your perlite floats to the top. With mulch, you can dump the water on without dislodging the soil in the first place. It results in a more even distribution of moisture, and less compaction. You also avoid that annoying hydrophobic crust on top of your pots....

I use about a 1 inch layer of "fine" sized orchid bark. Works great.

 

[cdd10]

Using mulch prevents compaction because you don't dislodge the soil each time you water. Compaction happens at the soil surface when you dump water on and it stirs up the soil, which then settles into a more compact layer. The fines sink to the bottom of that layer, and all your perlite floats to the top. With mulch, you can dump the water on without dislodging the soil in the first place. It results in a more even distribution of moisture, and less compaction. You also avoid that annoying hydrophobic crust on top of your pots....

I use about a 1 inch layer of "fine" sized orchid bark. Works great.

That's what I was thinking spicy. I use the dry nutrients as a top dress (I have the full roots lineup dry and liquid) and the dry nutrients seem to crust up the top of the soil. I just never got how that would be beneficial until this. I'm gonna put Coco on top next run. I do have a question. Is the roots organic cocopalms just loose Coco fiber and the bricks are what you dissolve. Seems like it would be easier just to get the loose Coco..

 

[SpicySativa]

I'm not sure. I don't use any coco. (Not opposed to it, just don't use it at this point).

 

[cdd10]

Hm. I'm thinking it is loose Coco im gonna try it. Lol

 

[Grandmah]

Yeah. Try it out. Avoiding that crusty layer would be helpful. It happens to me but I just break it up with my hand