From my own tests, the performance ( or lack thereof) of akadama does not surprise me
For a Few years now I have been of the opinion that if the Japanese had access to diatomite, they woud be using it instead of Akadama
![Smile :-)](./images/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif)
Ken
Hi all,kcpoole wrote:I Vote for the ones on the right for Osmocote
From my own tests, the performance ( or lack thereof) of akadama does not surprise me
For a Few years now I have been of the opinion that if the Japanese had access to diatomite, they woud be using it instead of Akadama
Ken
Both kinds; Country and Western!Gareth wrote:hi grant,
what type of osmocote do you use, there are so many different kinds im not sure which one is best.
Also, to help with the deciphering I'll post your explanations here too.NBPCA wrote:The test results below firstly show the performance of the component with all its sizes in the ratios found and put into the pot in layers in 5”/125mm pots. Coarsest part of the component on bottom, then middling coarse then smallest on top. With some components like the propagation sand/ 3mm brown pebble they are just used straight out of the bag.
I also tested each individual particle size’s performance as well, but there is too much info at this point. I can discuss the individual components and individual component’s particle sizes as we go on. It is important! Particle size is everything! (Well almost)
Thanks again Grant. This is brilliant and invaluable information!NBPCA wrote:Medium/Component. Name of the component I am testing
KG Dry. How much a pot full of the dry component weighed. We then put in water to lip of pot to soak
KG Drained. After 10 minutes of soaking we then let drain for 10 mins then weighed.
Water Gain KG. Weight of water gained/held/absorbed after draining for 10 mins
(NOTE. Some components are very light and increase in weight dramatically when wet but still hold/gain/absorb the same amount as some other components; so we have not expressed water gain as a % of dry weight of the component!)
PH. I used the Manutec test kit, liquid then powder, and these are our results on the day. Please allow for some leeway.
Water Table. Amount of water that freely drained out of the component when it was tipped on its side after 60 mins. Expressed as grams although we could do % of KG
AFPT. Air Filled Porosity Test. Component was placed into an open top container (1 ltr) immersed into water; wet then water allowed to drain, captured and weighed. If 300 mls of water were captured it is expressed as 30% AFP
Also Particle size.Steven wrote:Another interesting instalment Grant, thanks!
In your table you have listed the Medium/Components with the top one not sized.
i.e.
Diatomite Maidenwell
Diatomite Maidenwell - Extra Fine
Diatomite Maidenwell - Small
Diatomite Maidenwell - Medium
At first I wasn't sure why so I read your opening post again and will quote it here for any others who couldn't remember.
Also, to help with the deciphering I'll post your explanations here too.NBPCA wrote:The test results below firstly show the performance of the component with all its sizes in the ratios found and put into the pot in layers in 5”/125mm pots. Coarsest part of the component on bottom, then middling coarse then smallest on top. With some components like the propagation sand/ 3mm brown pebble they are just used straight out of the bag.
I also tested each individual particle size’s performance as well, but there is too much info at this point. I can discuss the individual components and individual component’s particle sizes as we go on. It is important! Particle size is everything! (Well almost)
Thanks again Grant. This is brilliant and invaluable information!NBPCA wrote:Medium/Component. Name of the component I am testing
KG Dry. How much a pot full of the dry component weighed. We then put in water to lip of pot to soak
KG Drained. After 10 minutes of soaking we then let drain for 10 mins then weighed.
Water Gain KG. Weight of water gained/held/absorbed after draining for 10 mins
(NOTE. Some components are very light and increase in weight dramatically when wet but still hold/gain/absorb the same amount as some other components; so we have not expressed water gain as a % of dry weight of the component!)
PH. I used the Manutec test kit, liquid then powder, and these are our results on the day. Please allow for some leeway.
Water Table. Amount of water that freely drained out of the component when it was tipped on its side after 60 mins. Expressed as grams although we could do % of KG
AFPT. Air Filled Porosity Test. Component was placed into an open top container (1 ltr) immersed into water; wet then water allowed to drain, captured and weighed. If 300 mls of water were captured it is expressed as 30% AFP
Regards,
Steven
Mojo Moyogi wrote:Hi Scott,
Diatomite is pH neutral. Kanuma is acidic. Azaleas like acid soils, I am not surprised that Kanuma came out on top, true to it's reputation as a satsuki media.
Cheers,
Mojo
Yes Mojo and Ken, it was pure Diatomite and pure Kanuma. I did not try with zeolite in this test but have in the past used Zeolite/sphagnum and have had good results.kcpoole wrote:In my very informal tests, I agree that Kanuma would be marginally better than Diatomite, but I have not seen that sort of difference tho
I have struck Azaleas in my Diatomite / Zeolite mix and have had great sucess
Was this pure diatomite? If so than that might would explain it.
Ken