Super soil concentrate by Natures Living Soil

[JimG]

This is my first time using this super soil. My question is the watering regimen. Book says not to water as you would with nutrients wanting good runoff. Using this approach, what should the moisture level be of the bottom third where the concentrate is located? We are talking 10" down on a 12x12 hard pot.

Thanks

[Bluey]

Don't do runoff in a soil grow. You wash out all the nitrates and starve your plant.

Your watering schedule will vary heaps depending on plant mass, environment, pot size, type of pot.

I just used to do the finger test in the top and keep an eye on them and it would vary from once every 7 days to 2 or 3 times a week if it was hot and windy.

Soil grows do like a dry back between waters unlike coco.

[JimG]

I got the whole "don't do runoff" thing. That being the case, the finger test of the top two inches can't compete with metering the soil moisture in the root zone and below. I am still looking for a moisture level to keep the lower super soil layer at and yet not have runoff.

[Bluey]

I used to have a soil moisture level meter but it didn't work very well and plants like varying moisture levels. Don't drownn them and don't let them wilt from lack of water was the approach I took. It worked fine.

[Smallgrow]

Blumat moisture meter. It will give you accurate information about 6 or 8 inches down.
I’m not sure of the product you’re growing with but I like the water only “living” or “super” soils like KIS or Build a soil. It keeps it really simple as you learn. No layers no additives necessary.

[JimG]

I contacted the folks at Nature's Living Soil and they gave me a very detailed response. I also added a 12 inch moisture meter to my tool kit for deep readings. This is what they had to say on soil moisture when using Super Soil Concentrate.

The moisture level in the lower level containing the super soil concentrate should ideally maintain a consistent dampness without being overly wet or dry. Here are some detailed guidelines:

1. Using a Moisture Meter:
   • For the super soil layer, aim for a reading in the middle range on your moisture meter, typically between 4-6 on a 1-10 scale, depending on the brand and calibration of your meter. This range supports microbial activity while avoiding oversaturation, which can lead to root rot or anaerobic conditions.
2. Watering Technique:
   • Water gently to avoid runoff, as per the instructions, while ensuring that water penetrates evenly into the lower soil layers. Check periodically to ensure the lower soil is retaining moisture but not pooling water.
3. Best Practices for Living Soil:
   • Top-Down Watering: Start from the topsoil and allow the water to percolate slowly. This ensures the roots access moisture naturally and prevents overwatering.
   • Test the Soil Manually: Besides using a moisture meter, feel the soil in the lower layer. It should feel like a wrung-out sponge—moist but not dripping.
4. Monitoring Tools:
   • Invest in a high-quality moisture meter calibrated for your soil type.
   • Periodically check the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and pH of the runoff to ensure proper nutrient availability. The pH for living soil is ideally around 6.5.