Experiment with Net Pots - Any opinions so I don't fuck my grow?

[onegallongrow]

Hi guys! This is a question about DWC using a traditional single net pot lid and bucket method.

I'm starting another grow soon, and I had an idea observing the root structure from last grow. I noticed that when the roots first grew through the net pot, they were strong and thick, like they were thankful for the resistance that the initial breaking through offered from the plastic net pot. But, once they were through and submerged in the water, they were just sitting limp.

They were still healthy, and the grow was very successful, but it got me thinking... What if I wrapped the net pots with some material, just a few times, so that the roots had more solid medium to cling on to? I feel that this would create a much more robust and stable root system/base for the plant to really feel sturdy and thrive. In order to enact this idea, I did some searching for the ideal material and landed on this: Coco Coir Netting

I would essentially wrap this netting around the outside of the net pots a few times and secure it with zip ties or string. Now, I know that this is not the original purpose of the material, but I'm feeling pretty optimistic about this experiment. What do you guys think? Is it a good idea? Do you think I may run into any problems? I'm most concerned about the point of growth where the roots need to develop through the hydroton/net and into the water, after the plants are first placed in buckets. I don't think the process should be much different, and I'll keep the water level at just below the plastic net pot like usual (with lots of aeration), unless anyone has any advice? I am not planning on top feeding. I don't know if this method might have any negative effects like drowning the roots, but I don't see how it could given that either way they would be submerged in water.

If anyone has done anything like this before, I would be especially grateful to hear your thoughts. I know my idea may not be necessary, but I'm excited about the possibility of more vigorous and healthy growth from a stronger root system!

 

[Wastei]

Sounds contra productive IMO. You want to avoid any stagnant water in DWC and this only seem to promote it?

It's the most common issue in DWC. Root rot and rot forming at the inner base part of the stem.

If you want healthy looking roots you should look in to how to better clean and clear off biofilm from the roots with either an oxidizer or bacteria culture like bacillus amyloliquefaciens. I use regular unscented bleach in hydro. You'll find the chlorine dilution calculator in my signature with recommendations.

Cheers!

 

[onegallongrow]

How do you suspect that this would promote stagnant water?

 

[onegallongrow]

Sounds contra productive IMO. You want to avoid any stagnant water in DWC and this only seem to promote it?

It's the most common issue in DWC. Root rot and rot forming at the inner base part of the stem.

If you want healthy looking roots you should look in to how to better clean and clear off biofilm from the roots with either an oxidizer or bacteria culture like bacillus amyloliquefaciens. I use regular unscented bleach in hydro. You'll find the chlorine dilution calculator in my signature with recommendations.

Cheers!

Thanks for the feedback. I think it’s good advice to be considerate of root rot. I’m hoping there’s a way I can implement my idea without running into root rot issues.
Roots were healthy last grow. I just want to give them something to cling to. I think that the coir would allow for enough aeration, no?
That’s a great recommendation! I’ll look into it. I have used hydrogen peroxide before but not bleach.

 

[Wastei]

How do you suspect that this would promote stagnant water?

If you work towards obstructing the roots for stability you will create a more anaerobic environment.

As a general rule you want as small net pot as possible in DWC to promote oxygen in the root zone. You only choose bigger netpots for better stability but it will always worsen the roots access to oxygen.

Ideally you want no netpots at all but that leaves no place for the plant to be ankered and secured.

 

[onegallongrow]

If you work towards obstructing the roots for stability you will create a more anaerobic environment.

As a general rule you want as small net pot as possible in DWC to promote oxygen in the root zone. You only choose bigger netpots for better stability but it will always worsen the roots access to oxygen.

Ideally you want no netpots at all but that leaves no place for the plant to be ankered and secured.

I understand.
What do you think of the possibility of creating a more hybrid, soil-like environment that still enjoys the benefits of DWC hydroponics?
This is what sparks my initial optimism. I hear you that oxygen is important, but I think the roots will have much access to oxygen especially considering that the coconut fibers are woven as netting - there are holes and plenty of drainage. I really value your feedback because you seem to have more experience than I do in hydroponics, but I just think I have to try this out either way. (I’m also excited about the organic aspect of the coir complementing my general hydroponics nutrients.) I guess I have some confusion because either way the roots are suspended in oxygenated water, and that isn’t going to be changing about my set up. It’s really only gonna be 2 or 3 wrap arounds with the coir net.

I’m vying for your approval to at least give it a try

 

[Hollatchaboy]

Coconut fiber is an organic material.

Imo, I wouldn't want anything organic getting even close to a dwc res.

 

[MissinThe90’sStrains]

There is a neat YouTube video I’m trying to find that was posted here a while back - it’s a hybrid experiment someone did growing plants with soil, an over abundance of water, and an air stone. It was like running a hybrid of hydroponics with organic soil mixed into the medium, and was said to be hugely beneficial over either method individually. It was like an aerated soil/water slurry.

 

[onegallongrow]

There is a neat YouTube video I’m trying to find that was posted here a while back - it’s a hybrid experiment someone did growing plants with soil, an over abundance of water, and an air stone. It was like running a hybrid of hydroponics with organic soil mixed into the medium, and was said to be hugely beneficial over either method individually. It was like an aerated soil/water slurry.

That sounds very interesting! The idea of creating a hybrid environment is what I’m most inspired to accomplish, especially since I’ll be able to maintain my automated DWC system.
I was reading that resistance in the root zone can increase the hormone ‘auxin’ which can lead to more vigorous root development and plant growth. Hopefully my experiment pays off!

 

[Hollatchaboy]

There is a neat YouTube video I’m trying to find that was posted here a while back - it’s a hybrid experiment someone did growing plants with soil, an over abundance of water, and an air stone. It was like running a hybrid of hydroponics with organic soil mixed into the medium, and was said to be hugely beneficial over either method individually. It was like an aerated soil/water slurry.

Sounds kinda like a sub irrigated planter.

 

[onegallongrow]

Coconut fiber is an organic material.

Imo, I wouldn't want anything organic getting even close to a dwc res.

What about organic nutrients? Seaweed/kelp that’s often used in DWC applications?

 

[Hollatchaboy]

What about organic nutrients? Seaweed/kelp that’s often used in DWC applications?

Depends. If it's broken down, readily available to the plant, it should work.

Normally, organics need to be broken down by microbes, to make nutrients available to the plant. Those microbes you do not want in your hydro system.

 

[MissinThe90’sStrains]

Sounds kinda like a sub irrigated planter.

its similar, but the water and soil were mixed together and then the whole mess was aerated from below, instead of having the soil and water in separate compartments - like a SIP has.

 

[Unga Bunga]

If the first time was very successful why change anything ? Why mess with success ?