Coco Issues and Deficiencies

jsk0181 said:

I'm using an Ebb and Flow system, and was starting to notice calmag issues (leaf curl taco effect etc...) I use RO water, and was adding 5ml/gallon CalMag per feeding, but still the plants were showing deficiencies. Currently I'm using the Botanicare 3 part with CalMag, Liquid Karma, and SuperThrive with a 3 to 1 coco to perlite ratio for soil. I did inoculate the soil before transplant, but am still having problems. I also flush with pure water weekly to release excess salts. I was thinking about adding dolomite lime; but read different opinions.

Is there any information on making an acceptable coco soil foundation to inhibit deficiencies from occurring?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

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Calcium, an essential part of the plant’s cell wall structure, improves the absorption of other nutrients by the roots and their translocation within the plant. It activates a number of plant growth-regulating enzyme systems; helps convert nitrate-nitrogen into forms needed for protein formation; and contributes to improved disease resistance.[

Certain growing media, such as coco coir, requires additional calcium due its cation exchange capacity properties. Growing in coco requires additional calcium, especially in the first few weeks of the plants life.
Best Practices to Avoid Problems

Another way to acquire deficiencies is by not adding enough cal-mag to your nutrient formula when using purified water. Reverse Osmosis gives you the purest water possible and so you have to add the correct amount of cal-mag to ensure you have the proper feed solution. The best way to start your nutrient formula is to begin with purified water, add 50 to 250ppm cal-mag, and then add your additional macro- and micronutrients. The amount of cal-mag you add depends on the variety of plants, what stage in their life they are in, and the media you are using.

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