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daihashi · #1 (**permalink**) Aug-28-2008, 14:26

I am growing in CoCo this time around and would like to make use of my beneficial micro-organisms from my last grow. Is it possible to take a sample of soil from a pot from my last grow, and mix it in with some co-co very well?

Also if this is possible would I need to flush the used soil? I know people say never re-use soil but I know for a fact that my soil was very healthy with no diseases or pests. I only want to use a small sample and allow them to propogate through the new medium on their own?

Make sense? Will it work that way?

Thanks.

daihashi · #2 (**permalink**) Aug-28-2008, 14:28

fyi, I know I can buy the micro organisms but I'm trying to avoid purchasing that if it can be helped.

texas grass · #3 (**permalink**) Aug-28-2008, 14:50

make a compost tea and soak the medium to introduce the the micro organisms.
that is usually the fastest way to do it.

daihashi · #4 (**permalink**) Aug-28-2008, 16:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by texas grass

make a compost tea and soak the medium to introduce the the micro organisms.
that is usually the fastest way to do it.

Awesome, thanks Tex!

Revanche21 · #5 (**permalink**) Aug-29-2008, 15:13

I hear a lot of people talk about micro-organisms

but specifically; what micro-organisms? what are their functions within the soil?

Isn't there a possiblity that micro-organisms are harmful?

hope this doesnt count as thread jacking I'll re-thread the question if you wish

daihashi · #6 (**permalink**) Aug-29-2008, 15:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revanche21

I hear a lot of people talk about micro-organisms

but specifically; what micro-organisms? what are their functions within the soil?

Isn't there a possiblity that micro-organisms are harmful?

hope this doesnt count as thread jacking I'll re-thread the question if you wish

nah.. this isn't hijacking a thread.

Here is a good all around article that I feel will give you a decent explanation:

Soil microbiology: Definition from Answers.com

Revanche21 · #7 (**permalink**) Aug-29-2008, 20:05

doesn't say too much about benefiting plants immediately, seems more like a long-term thing

like if you were to use the same soil over and over

daihashi · #8 (**permalink**) Aug-29-2008, 20:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revanche21

doesn't say too much about benefiting plants immediately, seems more like a long-term thing

like if you were to use the same soil over and over

Umm I thought it was pretty clear.

I cut out the important parts and put them in this quote:

Quote:

n the carbon cycle, microorganisms transform plant and animal residues into carbon dioxide and the soil organic matter known as humus. Humus improves the water-holding capacity of soil, supplies plant nutrients, and contributes to soil aggregation. Microorganisms may also directly affect soil aggregation. The extent of soil aggregation determines the workability or tilth of the soil. A soil with good tilth is suitable for plant growth because it is permeable to water, air, and roots. See also Humus.

Soil microorganisms play key roles in the nitrogen cycle. The atmosphere is approximately 80% nitrogen gas (N2), a form of nitrogen that is available to plants only when it is transformed to ammonia (NH3) by either soil bacteria (N2 fixation) or by humans (manufacture of fertilizers). Soil bacteria also mediate denitrification, which returns nitrogen to the atmosphere by transforming NO3− to N2 or nitrous oxide (N2O) gas. Microorganisms are crucial to the cycling of sulfur, phosphorus, iron, and many micronutrient trace elements.

The region of soil surrounding plant roots, the rhizosphere, may contain beneficial microorganisms which protect the plant root from pathogens or supply stimulating growth factors. The interactions between plant roots and soil microorganisms is an area of active research in soil microbiology.

So the sooner you introduce the micro-organisms then the sooner they are by the root system and the healthier plant you'll have. They help increase the quality tilth, help cycle many important nutrients/micronutrients and protect the plant root system from pathogens and stimulates growth. It's not like this is going to increase your yield by 50% or anything. It's more or less to ensure you have a strong robust plant.

texas grass · #9 (**permalink**) Aug-29-2008, 22:28

microbes are good for nutrient uptake, disease suppression, plant immune system helper, do a multitude of things for soil health

this guy can give a quick rundown on it
Microbe Organics

if you want some real knowledge about microbes look into
dr elaine ingham(probibly top soil biologist in world) Soil Foodweb, Inc.
jeff lowenfelds does alot of work off of dr ingham, lowenfelds has a cheap great read on microbes teaming with microbes

the image reaper · #10 (**permalink**) Aug-29-2008, 22:35

that 'Microbe Organics' link is excellent, thanks TX