Organic Growers - Can you use RO water?

[olegren]

I'm about to start my first organic run, and the one thing I'm still unsure about is water. I notice many organic growers seem to be embracing the vibe and harvesting rainwater. I want to do this myself, but I am not yet equipped to do so. Working on sourcing a barrel on the cheap.

For now, I have self-sufficient access to two types: RO or well water which is about 200-300ppm when I bypass the softener (And I always do if it's going to a plant). I'm not positive of the mineral content in my water, but I can tell you it leaves a pretty gnarly white crust on fabric pots when I use it straight out of the tap.

The consensus seems to be that purified water is a must for organics; which makes sense. Even with organic soil, you don't want to be depositing a bunch of extra stuff that can potentially block root uptake of all that organic goodness.

I have read in many discussions that pure RO water can be bad because it adversely impacts the availability of certain minerals. (This is my low-level understanding) Does the same apply to an organic grow? I was thinking about cutting my hard well water with some RO to end up with something that isn't completely void - but also not overloaded.

Thanks in advance for any insights you might have to share.

 

[Mañ'O'Green]

I'm about to start my first organic run, and the one thing I'm still unsure about is water. I notice many organic growers seem to be embracing the vibe and harvesting rainwater. I want to do this myself, but I am not yet equipped to do so. Working on sourcing a barrel on the cheap.

For now, I have self-sufficient access to two types: RO or well water which is about 200-300ppm when I bypass the softener (And I always do if it's going to a plant). I'm not positive of the mineral content in my water, but I can tell you it leaves a pretty gnarly white crust on fabric pots when I use it straight out of the tap.

The consensus seems to be that purified water is a must for organics; which makes sense. Even with organic soil, you don't want to be depositing a bunch of extra stuff that can potentially block root uptake of all that organic goodness.

I have read in many discussions that pure RO water can be bad because it adversely impacts the availability of certain minerals. (This is my low-level understanding) Does the same apply to an organic grow? I was thinking about cutting my hard well water with some RO to end up with something that isn't completely void - but also not overloaded.

Thanks in advance for any insights you might have to share.

IMPO you answered your own question with what I would do. Mix your well water in to the RO until it reads just above 60 PPM This will help to stabilize the RO waters PH.

 

[North Forge]

The only reason to use filtered water in organics would be to have water that is free from chloramine, or chlorine which will be detrimental to the microbiology.

If you have well water it can be used straight with no worries even if it has a higher ppm of minerals and micros

 

[RC Cola]

I use rainwater and the plants love it. I just need to figure out a way to bring it inside easily. Sorry I know your question was already answered I just like to throw my two cents in.

 

[olegren]

Thank y'all for your insights. I really appreciate it.

@RC Cola - I really want to get this set up for myself! What @North Forge is saying makes a lot of sense to me; it's just difficult to get past the residue my unfiltered well water leaves behind. I keep thinking that must be leaving something bad behind in the soil; or at least contributing to a buildup. If you figure out an easy way to transport it inside, I'd love to hear about it!

Anyway, since I have something like 40 gallons of RO already ready, I will probably mix to the > 60ppm threshold. Maybe I'll have my rainwater setup figured out by then.

 

[North Forge]

That residue is likely just calcium and other minerals. Nothing that will be toxic to your plants. You're more likely to have problems from the lack of those micro nutrient minerals, rather than the presence of them. The only exception would be if it's lime and your PH is exceptionally high.

Plants growing organically in nature grow in mineral soils with way more minerals than are in your water! A healthy living soil is it's own intelligent biological system. It doesn't need the sterile laboratory style handholding that's required in hydroponics

 

[olegren]

That residue is likely just calcium and other minerals. Nothing that will be toxic to your plants. You're more likely to have problems from the lack of those micro nutrient minerals, rather than the presence of them. The only exception would be if it's lime and your PH is exceptionally high.

Plants growing organically in nature grow in mineral soils with way more minerals than are in your water! A healthy living soil is it's own intelligent biological system. It doesn't need the sterile laboratory style handholding that's required in hydroponics

Fair point, and I'm glad you mentioned this because I'm told limestone is pretty prominent. I'll pH a few samples before I go gung ho with it. In the past, it has been pretty consistent around 7.0-7.5 or thereabouts.

You're right about organics though. It's tough to let go at this stage because I just don't understand a lot of it. Hopefully, in time, that will improve.

 

[North Forge]

Yeah you definitely want to have a decent understanding of how it works since most of the work is on the front end. Once the system is in place it pretty much takes care of itself.

Maybe do a hands off test run with a single container and a seed you're willing to lose just to see how it plays out.

Either way, good luck!

 

[RC Cola]

Thank y'all for your insights. I really appreciate it.

@RC Cola - I really want to get this set up for myself! What @North Forge is saying makes a lot of sense to me; it's just difficult to get past the residue my unfiltered well water leaves behind. I keep thinking that must be leaving something bad behind in the soil; or at least contributing to a buildup. If you figure out an easy way to transport it inside, I'd love to hear about it!

Anyway, since I have something like 40 gallons of RO already ready, I will probably mix to the > 60ppm threshold. Maybe I'll have my rainwater setup figured out by then.

I’ll let you know. I’m trying to figure out how to run a hose from my rain barrel into my basement without messing with the integrity of my house. I only have a 3x6 bed right now so I don’t use tons of water and just use almond milk jugs lol.

 

[olegren]

I’ll let you know. I’m trying to figure out how to run a hose from my rain barrel into my basement without messing with the integrity of my house. I only have a 3x6 bed right now so I don’t use tons of water and just use almond milk jugs lol.

Haha, don't feel bad. I use old water jugs. If it ain't broke...