Triaco-what? It's Found Where? It Does What ?

snew · Feb 28, 2011

Wetdog said:
Yeah, for a tea, that's a good amount and about what I use, along with EWC and kelp meal.

But, 1cup in a gallon of mix/soil would be way too hot.

No argument, I think OSG just slipped up when he was typing.

Wet

I use these along with fish emulsions and molasses quite regularly. I try to bring variety to the mix for the elements that each can bring.

snew · Feb 28, 2011

Wolverine97 said:
Good thread. I mix alfalfa meal into my soil mix, along with azomite, dolomite lime, diatomaceous earth, kelp meal, castings, guano etc...

What is the diatomaceous earth do when mixed with soil? I understand it is a good top dresser due to the sharp edges they smother and keep out soil dwellers. It is also my understand that once wet it is not effective. I am unfamiliar with it use in a soil mix.

Thanks

Wolverine97 · Feb 28, 2011

snew said:
What is the diatomaceous earth do when mixed with soil? I understand it is a good top dresser due to the sharp edges they smother and keep out soil dwellers. It is also my understand that once wet it is not effective. I am unfamiliar with it use in a soil mix.

Thanks

It's very high in silica content, and it helps me keep a good mix of particle sizes in my medium while retaining water and nutrients.
I also use it for the bottom inch of my pots, and sometimes to top dress to prevent fungus gnats.

Wetdog · Feb 28, 2011

snew said:
I use these along with fish emulsions and molasses quite regularly. I try to bring variety to the mix for the elements that each can bring.

My wife has banned ANY fish stuff. LOL

Yes, I know there are low odor ones, but I used the wrong one once and that is that AFA she's concerned.

Wet

madcatter · Feb 28, 2011

and if you have ever had anything go aenorobic... then you really know hte definition of nasty ass shit

hattrick · Mar 1, 2011

Ohsogreen said:
.
Yes, I'm talking about plain old alfalfa pellets, the kind you feed your bunny rabbit. They are a decent, cheap, Organic fertilizer - with built in plant stimulant. You can also get them in a powder (called alfalfa meal) - they just charge you a couple of bucks more - for smashing up the pellets for you. I've got a brick & I'm Frugal. Plus smashing things is therapeutic.... Rising Gas Prices... Bam... Rising Electric Bill .... Bam..... ah...I feel the stress melting away.. BAM.....
.

LOL. So for the Guerilla growers couldnt you sprinkle pellets around (not crushed up) for a time release?

unorthodox · Mar 1, 2011

hattrick said:
LOL. So for the Guerilla growers couldnt you sprinkle pellets around (not crushed up) for a time release?

if you want to attract animals that will eat your plant....

madcatter · Mar 1, 2011

Yes,,, I love all things nature as long as they are not near my gardens.... I grow indoors ( License requirement) and my veggies are on the deck in containers... if not the bunnies and the bambi's win everytime..... cant have everything( wishing for new greenhouse)....

Danielsgb · Mar 1, 2011

Apparently finding Alfalfa Meal is harder than I thought. Big R farm supply doesn't carry it & they we out of pellets. They had cubes, then I couldn't find the other ag. supply place. Then the other was across town. I don't want to order it and pay shipping, so I try again. I have a few weeks till I need a new mix of soil.
Daniels

unorthodox · Mar 1, 2011

are the awesome grow powers of alfalfa only good for veg... or can you use it throughout the entire grow??

Wolverine97 · Mar 1, 2011

unorthodox said:
are the awesome grow powers of alfalfa only good for veg... or can you use it throughout the entire grow??

You don't really want to use it past week two of flowering, as the hormones can have an adverse effect on finishing your buds. It's great for veg and early flower, as it really pushes the plant to develop bud sites but after that you don't want to be using it. The hormones can also have an antagonistic effect with some of the hormones that are used in some bio bloom boosters.

Wetdog · Mar 1, 2011

Wolverine97 said:
You don't really want to use it past week two of flowering, as the hormones can have an adverse effect on finishing your buds. It's great for veg and early flower, as it really pushes the plant to develop bud sites but after that you don't want to be using it. The hormones can also have an antagonistic effect with some of the hormones that are used in some bio bloom boosters.

VERY good point.

Wet

unorthodox · Mar 1, 2011

thank you, i guess i will start using on the next grow with some clones. i trust the OP 100% but has anyone done a side by side with and without??? i could offer a test line durring my next grow if it hasntbeen done. not to prove wrong
but to show the positive difference. it sounds very much like i should trustyou all and i am willing to do the test if it has not been done yet

madcatter · Mar 2, 2011

All testing is gladly welcomed.... I ran some tests on UVB reptile lights last grow.... short answer... adding 3 more to my grow....

kingofqueen · Mar 7, 2011

Good read u have here on the alfalfa !

snew · Mar 7, 2011

ohsogreen as several great treads on here. Very practical.

Danielsgb · Mar 8, 2011

I got alfalfa hay today for rabbits. Will this work OK? I'm making up 4 c. ft. of soil so how much do you guys think to add? My mix is 1 1/2 cup Blood Meal 1 cup Bone Meal 1/2 cup Dolomite Lime 1 cup time release Humic Acid. Maybe 1/2 lb. alfalfa hay?
http://www.prizepetsupplies.com/store/sun-seed-summer-sweet-alfalfa-hay-pet-supplies.html

Says
Ingredients: Sun-cured Alfalfa Hay
Guaranteed Analysis Crude Protein (min) - 10%, Crude Fat (min) - 1%, Crude Fiber (max) - 45%, Moisture (max) - 14%

Here was my last analysis

Wolverine97 · Mar 8, 2011

Danielsgb said:
I got alfalfa hay today for rabbits. Will this work OK? I'm making up 4 c. ft. of soil so how much do you guys think to add? My mix is 1 1/2 cup Blood Meal 1 cup Bone Meal 1/2 cup Dolomite Lime 1 cup time release Humic Acid. Maybe 1/2 lb. alfalfa hay?
http://www.prizepetsupplies.com/store/sun-seed-summer-sweet-alfalfa-hay-pet-supplies.html

Says
Ingredients: Sun-cured Alfalfa Hay
Guaranteed Analysis Crude Protein (min) - 10%, Crude Fat (min) - 1%, Crude Fiber (max) - 45%, Moisture (max) - 14%

Here was my last analysis
View attachment 1482528

This is a worthless reply, because I don't know the answer. I would guess that the leaves contain most of the hormones, but the nutrient content looks solid. I'd make tea with it, probably wouldn't mix in the soil.

Danielsgb · Mar 8, 2011

Here's what I ended up going with. I re-read this, and I went with around a half pound of the Alfalfa Hay. Did it before I saw your reply Wolverine97, but I was putting it into soil anyway. :-P

Final Soil Mix

2 c. ft Cheap Top Soil
1 c. ft Vermiculite
1 c. ft Peat Moss
1 c. ft Perlite
1.5 cups Blood Meal
1 cup Bone Meal
.5 cup Dolomite Lime (crushed fine)
.5 cup Humic Acid time release mix from my Uncle Wes (farmer/rancher)
.25 cup Epsom Salt
.5 lb. Alfalfa Hay

I'll re-mix it and send a sample to Texas A&M for an analysis. Any comments welcome.
Daniels
View attachment 1483171

Wetdog · Mar 9, 2011

Those amendments are per/CuFt right? If not, you are going to be very light, except perhaps with the blood.

"I" use, per CuFt:
1/2 cup blood
1 cup bone
1 cup dolomite lime
1/2 cup kelp meal (You have nothing for K in your mix)
1/4 cup epsom salts

I'd also cut the humic down a bit. A little goes a long way and too much can actually hurt.

Wet

Triaco-what? It's Found Where? It Does What ?

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