Diatomaceous Earth, If you could have...

[milehigh_7]

If you could have the ideal size of DE, what would you want? Please answer even if you don't actively use it. I am trying to work with somebody and I need your input.

 

[crust]

I would go with the Mirai standard: a mix of material that passes through 1/4 inch mesh but is retained on 1/16 inch mesh.

 

[bonsaidave]

I would like to see some that is just under 1/4 size. Seems like all the DE out there now is very small. 1/4 - 3/16 is my vote.

Keep in mind, my opinion is like asking a hobo for stock portfolio advice.

 

[Soldano666]

I would go with the Mirai standard: a mix of material that passes through 1/4 inch mesh but is retained on 1/16 inch mesh.

This /\

 

[sorce]

For colanders or bonsai pots?

Too large in a colander and we haven't tested how fast that shit will fry your roots Sucking moisture from them.

Especially down there!

IMO...

Napa 8822 works well because it holds wetness at the same levels as Akadama between years 2 and 10, give or take, depending on the Akadama and it's environmnt.

Those trees grow well in those years.

But DE is stable, which technically means we can research the point of breakdown in Akadama for a particular trees in their best year, and fine tune a size (shape too would be better!) For particular trees, and for particular climates, to match the moisture holding level of that BEST year of growth.

What good is the "sliding scale" of Akadama anyway?

Just a waste of time!?

Sorce

 

[petegreg]

We can buy DE called Terramol here, two fractions - 1-3 mm and 3-6mm available. I use only 3-6 mm, for all sizes of trees. No need for sifting until I mix it with lava and/or pumice.

 

[Gary McCarthy]

1/8" to 1/4"

 

[River's Edge]

1/8" to 1/4"

I live in rainforest area so larger drier mix is preferred. If i used DE i would want 3/16 to 1/4.

 

[milehigh_7]

I'm thinking #3 what say you?

 

[theone420]

2.5 but 3 if your gonna make me choose

 

[justBonsai]

3 looks solid but there are some pretty chunky ones in there

 

[milehigh_7]

I can try to talk to them about knocking down the upper sieve size and see if they can do that. I can try to find a breakdown of the percentages.

 

[Gary McCarthy]

I can try to talk to them about knocking down the upper sieve size and see if they can do that. I can try to find a breakdown of the percentages.

So, somebody is breaking the DE down to size for you. That's COOL!!!

If I had to pick just one from your picture above I would go with the #2. But, if I could take the smallest particles in #3 and mix it with #2 that would be PERFECT.

 

[theone420]

If I had to pick just one from your picture above I would go with the #2. But, if I could take the smallest particles in #3 and mix it with #2 that would be PERFECT.

Exactly what I was thinking. But even the smallest particles from #3 would be awesome. If I had to choose it would be 3 and I guess I would sift out the larger pieces and use in taller/nursery pots for drainage. Or hit them with a hammer

 

[BrianBay9]

3 is too big for shohin. I'd choose 2 for most of my trees.

 

[milehigh_7]

So, somebody is breaking the DE down to size for you. That's COOL!!!

If I had to pick just one from your picture above I would go with the #2. But, if I could take the smallest particles in #3 and mix it with #2 that would be PERFECT.

Number 2 is pretty much the size of Optisorb.

 

[AZbonsai]

I like 2...I think it would retain a bit more water for the desert heat.

 

[milehigh_7]

Yea you never have to worry about water retention. DE holds 40% more water than any clay based soil.

 

[AZbonsai]

Yea you never have to worry about water retention. DE holds 40% more water than any clay based soil.

No kidding! You going to offer it on your website?

 

[milehigh_7]

No kidding! You going to offer it on your website?

I'm kicking it around. If I can get a good price point I will.