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came to the conclusion re the level of bacteria colonisation by simple observation. Planted identical seedlings Tomato and lettuce in a gravel bed and a coco peat bed at the same time.
Growth in the coco peat not as good as in gravel.
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I am feeling at the moment that when it was in the closed loop watering regime that there was just too much water for the coco peat to function correctly. That and the feeling I have that the good bacteria does not form as well in coco peat.
Muzz - my theory would be that the poorer growth could be attributed to:
1. The plant roots getting less air due to the properties of the peat - including the drainage issue you describe; and
2. The fact that the plants would not have access to as many nutrients due to the cycling method. We theorise that the nitrate in the water as well as the other nutrients contained in the water and the solids allows us to get such good growth and to have plants fruit in this type of system.
If anyone can correct me, please do so, but it is my understanding that the role of the bacteria is to convert the ammonia to nitrite (nitrosomonos) and nitrite to nitrate (nitrobacter). I do not think that the bacteria themselves have an affect on the plant growth - it is more the product of the bacteria, which was available in your system anyway. Having said this, the whole ecosystem is an important element, which may include other beneficial bacteria. I reckon points 1 and 2 above pretty much capture the issue though.
I hope your root crop experiments work out - I reckon the concept of having a few peat filled tubs for growing these crops is a good one, particulalry if your attempts to have them waterred automatically work out. Good one.
Backyard Aquaponics
