Soil Conditioner Equivalent?

[howa2396]

The closest thing I could find to soil conditioner is Schultz's aquatic plant soil, made from 100% Fuller's Earth. It says it's a natural mineral that's been kiln fired to create ceramic granules.

I haven't opened it yet, but the picture makes it look like the soil conditioner. ANyone know if it has similar properties to soil conditioner?

[FlamencoLassie]

I agree which the word "conditioner" may be missappleid.

Gravel, sand, ceramic grave, pumice all serve to add drainage to bonsia soil mixes. With the fast draining peroperties, one can feed more often.

I have an automatic watering system that goes off twice a day. The mix I use is about 2/3 gravel. My plants are healthy. I don't recommend you follow my mix if you 1) Subsequently water less than I do or 2) live in a place more arid and hotter.

[Wolverine5]

I felt I missed something too. Indeed, I think of a wide variety of organic amendments when I think of "conditioner", what a good lab will tell you to add after a soil test for example, from alfalfa meal to boron. Ceramic "gravels" are widely used in aquaria (another developing passion of mine) and are designed to be inert and non-porous. They don't condition a thing, except in aquaria where they are used as a substrate in which benefical bacteria can develop.

[fdisk_this]

I guess I missed something here. A lot of things can condition soil. It depends upon what you want it to do. Usually I mean an organic component when I refer to soil conditioner, such as composted pine bark.

This material sounds like it would be a substitute for gravel. Ceramics usually don't hold water, which of course makes sense if it is meant to hold plants in a pond.

I think your answer is no.

Billy on the Florida Space Coast
BSF Annual Convention May 28 - 31, 2004 Radisson Hotel, Cape Canaveral,
Sponsored by The Bonsai Society of Brevard and the Treasure Coast Bonsai
http://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2004/2004.html