AusBonsai

from arid --0mm rain for months--------to 90mm plus in two days-----unbelievable---I can see the plants growing-------we have puddles --no matter how much irrigation ,it is no substitute for rain

Guy wrote:from arid --0mm rain for months--------to 90mm plus in two days-----unbelievable---I can see the plants growing-------we have puddles --no matter how much irrigation ,it is no substitute for rain

Hi Guy,
Rain always fascinates me. As you say you can water and water, soon as you get some rain things take off. It would be most useful information if one of our trained horticulturist members could comment on what is in the rain that makes so much difference.

I went across the Simpson Desert many years ago, and there had been a culmination of a couple of good seasons. The desert was absolutely alive. It was a memorable experience to have seen. The flora was fabulous.

Regards Ray

hi Ray, I believe it's because rain water is at a more stable temperature and the rain collects Nitrogen in the Air as it falls. Also Tap water generally contains many Trace chemicals etc used to Produce a Safe and drinkable water, which could be a hinderance to the growing of many plants/trees.

Bonsaitrees wrote:hi Ray, I believe it's because rain water is at a more stable temperature and the rain collects Nitrogen in the Air as it falls. Also Tap water generally contains many Trace chemicals etc used to Produce a Safe and drinkable water, which could be a hinderance to the growing of many plants/trees.

Hi Bonsaitrees,
Thanks for that info. After posting I thought I would have a look on the WEB and see if there was any useful info. There is info from the non scientific to the scentific. Here are a couple of links. One thing I hadn't thought to much about was the area the water is gathered from to make the rain. You will notice in the articles that this can have a significant impact of the the rain analysis.
http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/GG/ASK/rain2.html
http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j ... 0604,d.dGI Be patient this file may take a little while to load. This is a much more detailed and lengthy article.

Regards Ray

- I am on tank water only (and hasn't this dry spell knocked the tank levels down a bit ) My plants seem to do as well on tank as on rain; there are certainly no added chemicals etc so it can't do any harm to them. Heck, my kids are all over 6'1" so there must be something beneficial to growth in the water!!

Bonsaitrees wrote:hi Ray, I believe it's because rain water is at a more stable temperature and the rain collects Nitrogen in the Air as it falls. Also Tap water generally contains many Trace chemicals etc used to Produce a Safe and drinkable water, which could be a hinderance to the growing of many plants/trees.

i wouldn't agree with the bolded above, Fluoride is added, it is the main ingredient in rat poison.

That's fine I didn't ask you to agree but clearly the water must be Safe or you wouldn't be here today!!

Hi all
Well We use rain water and bore water for watering different sections and they don't seem any different!
I notice when it rains the trees really get a kick along.
Hi Eusto the main ingrediant in rat poison is a blood thinner called warfarin which is given to people ---- lets not start the fluoride debate. My bore water which we drink ( haven't got tap water) has fluoride .
Regards Steve