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Pretty much, a small root system can support a large plant, I'm sure theres a maximum correlation amount of root zone-to-canopy size but yea, a bigger pot also does not mean 100% or so of that media is actually going to rootzone,So the takeaway I'm seeing here is with fertigation a large root system is not necessary due to the frequent feeds?
I dont see why not, the coco will act like a wick alongside the roots.I have been reading alot of good things about the autopots. I looked for 1 gallon autopots but the smallest ones I found were 3 gallon versions. I always thought that bottom feeding coco was a no go.
it just boils down to the root zone environment condition/variables.But with my current Grow I am learning to fertigate when needed and I have not had any issues so far. So I am not feeding until runoff every time. Once a day at most. So I bet if you top feed once a week until runoff in autopots you can have great success.
Plus, it takes less time for that root zone to develop a nice densely nurturing root ball in a smaller pot.So the takeaway I'm seeing here is with fertigation a large root system is not necessaryVreeland due to the frequent feeds?
The whole idea behind the autopots in my mind is no top feeding needed.I only half feed my pots after I transplant into the AP's the first time then they feed off the bottom. I use Promix & perlite I know nothing about Coco, Promix is too simple to want to changeI have been reading alot of good things about the autopots. I looked for 1 gallon autopots but the smallest ones I found were 3 gallon versions. I always thought that bottom feeding coco was a no go. But with my current Grow I am learning to fertigate when needed and I have not had any issues so far. So I am not feeding until runoff every time. Once a day at most. So I bet if you top feed once a week until runoff in autopots you can have great success.
I went to RDWC hydro because I do believe bigger roots = bigger fruits.I know Moe used them for a while but I don't know why he stopped, seems so simple maybe that's why, too easy for him.
Would you suggest running a 1 gal with a photo plant in coco? Because coco is an inert substrate the only ion source would come from what you are feeding correct?Remember there is a difference between root mass, root structure and container size.
You can have the same root mass in a 1 gal pot and a 3 gal pot. Just because the pot is bigger doesn’t mean it has a larger root mass. The roots are just more dense in a smaller container and thus requires more effort in keeping a stable root zone and supply of nutrients. Gas exchange is faster because of less media and growth is increased.
The term rootbound as it is used by us cannabis growers is 99% BS. They are not rootbound, we are simply not looking after the needs well enough to replenish the small amount of media.
Only if you can maintain the stability of ph, EC, and WC. Otherwise you will cause yourself issues.Would you suggest running a 1 gal with a photo plant in coco? Because coco is an inert substrate the only ion source would come from what you are feeding correct?
So we're keeping a smaller container to sequester the roots for better O² exchange by not doing a large feed then allowing dryback but rather small feeds to keep the WC% consistent trying to find the WC level where they can optimize their O² exchange?Only if you can maintain the stability of ph, EC, and WC. Otherwise you will cause yourself issues.
Its all a balance. If you have an autofeed system i say yes go for it. If you are hand watering then 2-5 gal may be a better option.
Growth increase from using the least media possible is 100% contingent on ability to maintain a stable root zone. If you can’t it will be a hindrance and cause issues or what people incorrectly refer to as rootbound.
Each fertigation brings in o2 and the higher ratio of media exposed means better gas exchange. WC is an important factor but you can still have drybacks. They just aren’t as necessary or impactful as in bigger pots. You still have drybacks they just happen much faster and do not need to be as drasticSo we're keeping a smaller container to sequester the roots for better O² exchange by not doing a large feed then allowing dryback but rather small feeds to keep the WC% consistent trying to find the WC level where they can optimize their O² exchange?
I have an auto irrigate system I made so I can control feed frequency and amounts at every event. I'll follow @Observer recommendations to start and spend a few days dialing in the WC%.
Hey Aqua man....Root bound to me is when I see stalling in the plants growth in small pots. When I start seeds in solo cups there is daily progress, then after about 2-3 weeks I can notice a change in growth where the top doesn't grow upwards and over a day or two I can notice the stall. It happens when I don't get them out of the small cups and the roots wraps the bottom and its all root around the inside of the cup. I've called that rootbound but you say that's the wrong term?? and if I do??? something other than transplant It will grow without the accompanied stunting? or have I read that wrong?Only if you can maintain the stability of ph, EC, and WC. Otherwise you will cause yourself issues.
Its all a balance. If you have an autofeed system i say yes go for it. If you are hand watering then 2-5 gal may be a better option.
Growth increase from using the least media possible is 100% contingent on ability to maintain a stable root zone. If you can’t it will be a hindrance and cause issues or what people incorrectly refer to as rootbound.
Remember there is a difference between root mass, root structure and container size.
You can have the same root mass in a 1 gal pot and a 3 gal pot. Just because the pot is bigger doesn’t mean it has a larger root mass. The roots are just more dense in a smaller container and thus requires more effort in keeping a stable root zone and supply of nutrients. Gas exchange is faster because of less media and growth is increased.
I wanted to say something along these lines too, but aqua said it better though.The term rootbound as it is used by us cannabis growers is 99% BS. They are not rootbound, we are simply not looking after the needs well enough to replenish the small amount of media.
Yea that's not rootbound, they are circling the bottom of the container and then they'll continue circling up, growing a denser root ball, ik ur not asking me thoHey Aqua man....Root bound to me is when I see stalling in the plants growth in small pots. When I start seeds in solo cups there is daily progress, then after about 2-3 weeks I can notice a change in growth where the top doesn't grow upwards and over a day or two I can notice the stall. It happens when I don't get them out of the small cups and the roots wraps the bottom and its all root around the inside of the cup. I've called that rootbound but you say that's the wrong term?? and if I do??? something other than transplant It will grow without the accompanied stunting? or have I read that wrong?