Need advice with KNF/JADAM inputs and automated irrigation

Hello all, I am planning out my next indoor tent grows that will contain an automated irrigation system. I utilize KNF/JADAM inputs in my hand watering feedings on my past grows which obviously work fine. HOWEVER, since I am switching over to an automated irrigation system, this brings my questions/concerns about the microbial life and effectiveness of them sitting in a small reservoir. With the proper KNF input to water measurements in a reservoir that will be filled every 4-6 days; will the effectiveness of the inputs still be just as good as mixing & feeding them the day of? Is there a method in keeping the microbes rich/healthy in a reservoir for 4-6 days? Would a constantly running air stone help keep these microbes rich/healthy over a period of days? Specific temperature the water must stay within? Anybody with knowledge/expertise on microbial life/biology or fermented inputs please help a grower out!

Wow
Good luck and WELCOME to RIU

I haven’t done Knf/jadam but did LAB in my reservoir. This was inside, it gets funky and slimy so that might clog up your lines. I’m If your outside it may not matter if it does or not. I did sips indoor and out, outdoor was water only and reservoir was good. Water temp, anything over 28-30 was considered bad for microbes, but it does depend on the type of microbes

microbes dont go very well with drip irrigation ime biofilm clogs the drippers and the lines i even had mushrooms growing at the tip of my blumats

KNF? JADAM?

I would think that you would want to hand water any inputs and use your existing drip system for water only.

If you're using KNF FPJ the sugar could cause issues with clogging and nasties. JADAM JLF stinks bad and can be pretty nasty so I don't know if you want that in a reservoir. But I've never tried using KNF or JADAM in a drip setup. It sounds like something that could turn into a nasty stinky soup.

KNF huh? I've been doing this for the better part of 12 years. It's how I make my LAB serum. Learned it from another fellow grower and he learned it in the Philippines.
Since then I've made my own fertilizer from pureed fish I catch, or even chitin from crustacean shells. Select fruits, grains, legumes and veggies also fermented using LAB.
Made 2 bokashi composters and have one for veg tailored ferment, and the other bloom. Mung bean sprouts too for an enzyme extract.
What happened to FPE? Anyone still call it that or has it been replaced?

KNF or KLF, I could play a little hip hop for my plants

crimsonecho said:

microbes dont go very well with drip irrigation ime biofilm clogs the drippers and the lines i even had mushrooms growing at the tip of my blumats

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What exactly were you mixing/feeding that got the lines like that? I would assume you weren't cleaning out your lines between grows?

GroovinGrows said:

What exactly were you mixing/feeding that got the lines like that? I would assume you weren't cleaning out your lines between grows?

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yeah it only takes a couple of weeks for the biofilm to take over you got nutrients and microbes together in water so whats gonna happen? your lines wouldn’t get you through 1 grow if not using lines they use in fields the thick ones and even then drippers are gonna get clogged.

McShnutz said:

KNF? JADAM?

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Korean Natural Farming and JADAM have very similar methods and practices that have been mastered from years of experienced organic farmers that utilize the low-cost and natural ways of sustaining agriculture through nature itself. This type of farming/growing focuses heavy on utilizing homemade microbial-rich fermented inputs that plants, roots, and the soil's ecosystem absolutely love. In my experience, I have noticed a significant drop of deficiencies in my plants since the switch to KNF practices as well. No artificial liquid nutes or amendments, just pure 100% organic growing and I can testify that this type of growing brings out the smells, terps, bud formations, and overall healthy smooth grows. I honestly always advice any grower I meet to definitely read up on it! Made the switch and never looked back!

crimsonecho said:

yeah it only takes a couple of weeks for the biofilm to take over you got nutrients and microbes together in water so whats gonna happen? your lines wouldn’t get you through 1 grow if not using lines they use in fields the thick ones and even then drippers are gonna get clogged.

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Nutrients and microbes together I can understand it would get like that. However, I was planning on just mixing my fermented inputs with water alone. About 2 and a 1/2 tablespoons per 5 gallons of water. I would assume there wouldn't be major build up or clogging since the ferments are so diluted, however, I was mainly wondering how does one keep the microbes rich and healthy while diluted in water for 4-5 days. Would I need an air stone and keep the temps dialed at a certain range? So many questions lol There isn't that many growers that have much experience with this style of growing.

GroovinGrows said:

Nutrients and microbes together I can understand it would get like that. However, I was planning on just mixing my fermented inputs with water alone. About 2 and a 1/2 tablespoons per 5 gallons of water. I would assume there wouldn't be major build up or clogging since the ferments are so diluted, however, I was mainly wondering how does one keep the microbes rich and healthy while diluted in water for 4-5 days. Would I need an air stone and keep the temps dialed at a certain range? So many questions lol There isn't that many growers that have much experience with this style of growing.

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Aerobic microbes need 02, I would add a stone and a small pump. I run blumats and bluesoak on a pump system with 2 gallon accumulator. I avoid any air bubbles in my system, but if you using drip line with a submersible pump you should be fine. I'd use 1/2" and 1/4" tubing instead of 1/8" distribution. Forget about drip emitters, they'll clog for sure!

McShnutz said:

Aerobic microbes need 02, I would add a stone and a small pump. I run blumats and bluesoak on a pump system with 2 gallon accumulator. I avoid any air bubbles in my system, but if you using drip line with a submersible pump you should be fine. I'd use 1/2" and 1/4" tubing instead of 1/8" distribution. Forget about drip emitters, they'll clog for sure!

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I’ve run reservoirs for blumats with just citric acid mixed in the water and things grew within a week. Straight water is the way to go for sure.