Nutrients Watering to 10-20% runoff - what's the logic?

[Exivious]

I'm wondering what the rationale for watering to 10-20% runoff is. I've heard different reasons given, but the most common tend to be the same rationale behind flushing (e.g. salt build-up). I'm using straight coco and am inclined to believe watering past the point of initial runoff is unnecessary, though I've been doing it. I haven't even completed a single grow yet, though. Please change my mind.

 

[MickJ]

My run off is incidental to watering my girls. I've never had a problem. I do grow in soil however.

I'm wondering what the rationale for watering to 10-20% runoff is. I've heard different reasons given, but the most common tend to be the same rationale behind flushing (e.g. salt build-up). I'm using straight coco and am inclined to believe watering past the point of initial runoff is unnecessary, though I've been doing it. I haven't even completed a single grow yet, though. Please change my mind.

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[BII]

I now only sometimes drain-to-waste with coco/perlite, make sure to do it say every 3-4 weeks at least. Most prior grows I never bothered to do it; and never saw any related problems. But I was using ~5 gallon pots, and I presume salt buildup is at lower concentration in larger volume pots; with it easier to avoid problems from not draining-to-waste in larger pots.

 

[Exivious]

These are 5 gallon fabric pots. Sounds like I don't have to worry too much about meticulously draining to waste every time.

 

[chefdave]

I'm wondering what the rationale for watering to 10-20% runoff is. I've heard different reasons given, but the most common tend to be the same rationale behind flushing (e.g. salt build-up). I'm using straight coco and am inclined to believe watering past the point of initial runoff is unnecessary, though I've been doing it. I haven't even completed a single grow yet, though. Please change my mind.

Good evening 10. 15 or 20 percent is good this allows salt build up to be flushed. I grow in 50/50 in smaller grow bags and water everyday 2x a day in flower. Strait coco is fine holds moisture longer, but also can have lockout issues if not 10-20% runoff Especially in larger grow bags /pots. The reason for me doing 50/50 coco/perlite is also more air-more explosive root growth which is key in early development of plant. Also at this ratio it is impossible to overwater. It requires more watering and nutrients but after 10 years of growing, found it to work best. Give it a shot next grow. you only need 2 gallon grow bags with this 50/50 mix for autos, 3-5 gallon for photos. Also this ratio is good if your going to use some technique( drip emmiters, etc.) of automatic watering/feeding.

 

[AutoWonders]

allows salt build up to be flushed.

I'm with chefdave on this one.

 

[buzz66]

Nah 30% worm casting 70% Coco...Aquarium bubbler in your nutrient tank, and hang on for the ride

 

[MISSFIT]

I grow in a quality soil/perlite in either 3 gal for autos or 5 gal for photos on about a four day sched. I feed nutrients to saturation, then next time water to a good 20-25% run off. I just feel why waste good neuts. And a good water douche once every week or so ought to flush out any nastiness.