Re: Diatomite and similar properties testing
Posted: August 9th, 2010, 11:59 am
Soil Mix Component Tests.
Hi Everyone,
Soon I will be posting the results of my tests of the components only that can go into potting mixes or be bonsai potting mixes on their own.
I thought I would use Akadama and Kanuma as a known reference point to start with. The reason being that Kanuma and Akadama have been tried, tested and used by the Japanese for a long time and so the properties/performance of the component/soil on its own is known for both Akadama and Kanuma. Kanuma is used 100% on its own for Azalaeas and Akadama can be used on its own for a wide range of plants. Akadama can also be used in blends of components to create your own tailored mix.
I am not advocating that Akadama or Kanuma be your bonsai mix or part of your mix! I am just looking at how it performs and then comparing it to other materials that we can also readily source in Australia.
Proprietary Bonsai mixes made by the Bonsai nurseries and Debco, Amgrow etc are treated as a component or stand alone mix as well. I cannot say exactly what is in each blend and to a certain extent it is irrelevant as I am only looking at its performance; not what it is made up of or giving a recipe to duplicate someone elses mix.
There are so many possible components and grades of components used.
Once I am ready to go I will start a ne thread.
Grant
Hi Everyone,
Soon I will be posting the results of my tests of the components only that can go into potting mixes or be bonsai potting mixes on their own.
I thought I would use Akadama and Kanuma as a known reference point to start with. The reason being that Kanuma and Akadama have been tried, tested and used by the Japanese for a long time and so the properties/performance of the component/soil on its own is known for both Akadama and Kanuma. Kanuma is used 100% on its own for Azalaeas and Akadama can be used on its own for a wide range of plants. Akadama can also be used in blends of components to create your own tailored mix.
I am not advocating that Akadama or Kanuma be your bonsai mix or part of your mix! I am just looking at how it performs and then comparing it to other materials that we can also readily source in Australia.
Proprietary Bonsai mixes made by the Bonsai nurseries and Debco, Amgrow etc are treated as a component or stand alone mix as well. I cannot say exactly what is in each blend and to a certain extent it is irrelevant as I am only looking at its performance; not what it is made up of or giving a recipe to duplicate someone elses mix.
There are so many possible components and grades of components used.
Once I am ready to go I will start a ne thread.
Grant