Grow Mediums Reusing coir - okay to have some roots left over?

[Exivious]

I've just completed my first run and want to reuse coir the next time around. I got the main root balls out of all pots, but there was still quite a bit of breakage and therefore leftover roots in the coco I salvaged. I don't suspect they would prove tangle threats for new, viable roots, but worry that they might rot at some point as they are not inert like the coco fibers (mostly) are.

Is a bit of roots left over in the coco okay, or do I need to meticulously sift through 20 gallons of coco before starting my next grow? The dead roots should be practically inert at this point... I think it's okay, but just want some verification.

 

[Tyler_Durden88]

Im currently getting ready to do this myself and have questions on what to do with the roots leftover. While I dont think they will get into the way of the new roots I am worried about the old roots rotting and giving the new roots root rot as well. Im thinking of just ordering new coco just in case. And flushing the coco is also difficult I used phd water and ran it till my ppm was under 120. But ive heard your supposed to add pond enzymes if you plan of using it again. Theres very little info on the subject.

 

[Exivious]

Hmm I didn't even think about reconditioning... I've got Pond-Zyme in my cart now. I'll probably order it tomorrow.

 

[MickJ]

Im currently getting ready to do this myself and have questions on what to do with the roots leftover. While I dont think they will get into the way of the new roots I am worried about the old roots rotting and giving the new roots root rot as well. Im thinking of just ordering new coco just in case. And flushing the coco is also difficult I used phd water and ran it till my ppm was under 120. But ive heard your supposed to add pond enzymes if you plan of using it again. Theres very little info on the subject.

I have reused soil for 6 months, a bit of old root hadn't hurt. I clear it out as much as possible in my composter. But mine are soil grows. So decomposing and rotting are good.

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[Tyler_Durden88]

Its hard to pick out the roots in coco bc the coco fibers are stringy as well. Im using canna coco witch is ready to run right out of the bag. I use 70/30 coco to perilite and the root systems are huge. They spike out every inch of my fabric pots. Somtimes its so tight its hard for water to penetrate. It just runs off and down the sides I might have to switch to 5 gallon pots. Ima try to get as much roots out as I can and throw out anything im not sure about.

 

[Exivious]

@Rollin_along, I think your soil can deal with a bit of rot going on because you have good bacteria/fungi that ensure the bad stuff doesn't dominate. My coco is pretty close to dead, though, so rotting roots could get nasty and spread to new ones. I'd probably be okay without doing anything about the leftover roots this time as there isn't that many of them, but I'm going to be safe and do a Pond-Zyme soak anyway. It's more affordable than most enzyme-containing stuff...

 

[Tyler_Durden88]

Do you use rapid rooters and if so do you put them in the coco? I got some and am unsure if I can use them for transplanting into coco.