Thanks for all the great info. Seems like this topic is not discussed enough, but should be at the forefront of the discussion.
Although my main motivation to re-use my soil was sustainability (re-using peat moss just makes sense to me), wanting to have greater control of inputs and the accumulation of heavy metals has become a focus moving forward. So far, here are my coles notes;
1. Use clean quality ingredients from the start and through the grow cycles. This includes your water.
2. Be mindful - but not afraid - of the inputs that can potentially contain more heavy metals (Kelp & rock phosphates, for example).
3. Use amendments that reduce heavy metal uptake (silica, biochar, fulvic/humic acids, etc.)
4. Although no till and mulching are great...discarding roots, stems and leaf material will take away heavy metals from the soil with each grow cycle.
5. Always keep learning and improve your methods.
Someone should write a book on re-using soil from an environmental and human health perspective...
J
Although my main motivation to re-use my soil was sustainability (re-using peat moss just makes sense to me), wanting to have greater control of inputs and the accumulation of heavy metals has become a focus moving forward. So far, here are my coles notes;
1. Use clean quality ingredients from the start and through the grow cycles. This includes your water.
2. Be mindful - but not afraid - of the inputs that can potentially contain more heavy metals (Kelp & rock phosphates, for example).
3. Use amendments that reduce heavy metal uptake (silica, biochar, fulvic/humic acids, etc.)
4. Although no till and mulching are great...discarding roots, stems and leaf material will take away heavy metals from the soil with each grow cycle.
5. Always keep learning and improve your methods.
Someone should write a book on re-using soil from an environmental and human health perspective...
J