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Measuring Runoff with a Soilless Mix

JeffInCanada

JeffInCanada

New member
Peace All,
When growing in a soilless mix, is there any point in monitoring runoff PPM or EC? The reason I ask...I can understand a runoff PH measurement having value, I am just wondering if with a soilless mix is there other compounds in the mix that will affect the EC value. For instance, I am growing in 80% Promix Premium Potting Mix- 20% perlite.
I have been feeding with a light 300 ppm feeding. I have feed the plant this only twice. I did a few runoff tests recently....with both the runoff liquid was clear.
After watering with no nutes: Input 160 PPM at 6.4 PH
Runoff reading: 1585 PPM, PH: 6.4
4 Days later I watered with some Cal/Mag added to the water: Input: 283 PPM at 6.4 PH
Runoff readings: 1300 PPM, PH: 6.4

I can understand a EC reading in a reservoir system but I am wondering with soilless if it is a little more tricky....with the high PPM runoff readings I am wondering if I should hold off on the nutes for a bit but I really haven't gave them much.
I found this video on the net, seems to make sense.
 
Ok, thanks guys...I won't bother any more. I just thought it might be a way to gauge what is going on in the root zone. Silly me :p
 
You’ll see a lot of post from people who check their runoff religiously. I just don’t see the need. Seems like something to gives you unnecessary headaches to me.
 
Thanks bboyfromwayback I really appreciate the comment. I'm trying to keep things simple and if it's something that ends up being a waste of time it's good to know. Maybe if things start to go sour with the grow it may be more useful. Thanks again!
 
When I grow coco, I mix my nutes to the ph and ec I want to run, and that's it.
I always feed to run-off, and get plenty of salts crusting on the outside of the bag.
Plants thrive, in spite of it.
 
Checking the EC levels in runoff can be a good thing. If you haven't been watering enough to runoff you will get salt buildup in your grow media which can cause a whole host of problems.
 
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