Is this good "Kitty Litter" for soil?

[Guns286]

While reading some posts here and elsewhere I've been seeing that our UK Bonsai brothers and sisters use Cat Litter as a very effective soil. Of course here in the US its harder to find a suitable product, but I came across this oil absorbent from the Moltan company (sold in auto parts stores) that says its 100% Diatomaceous Earth. As long as the grain size is good (which I think it is), what do you think?

 

[Poink88]

While reading some posts here and elsewhere I've been seeing that our UK Bonsai brothers and sisters use Cat Litter as a very effective soil. Of course here in the US its harder to find a suitable product, but I came across this oil absorbent from the Moltan company (sold in auto parts stores) that says its 100% Diatomaceous Earth. As long as the grain size is good (which I think it is), what do you think?

I use DE in my soil mix (Napa #8822) and it is good. Be careful and avoid inhaling the dust!

 

[coh]

While reading some posts here and elsewhere I've been seeing that our UK Bonsai brothers and sisters use Cat Litter as a very effective soil. Of course here in the US its harder to find a suitable product, but I came across this oil absorbent from the Moltan company (sold in auto parts stores) that says its 100% Diatomaceous Earth. As long as the grain size is good (which I think it is), what do you think?

The only way to find out is by testing it.

Take a couple of samples. Place them in cups of water and let them soak...for a long time. Does the stuff turn soft and mushy?

If not...then subject it to the freezing test. Place a damp sample in the freezer until it is frozen solid, then thaw it out. Repeat a few times. Does it hold up or turn to mush? If it holds up, you may be able to use it.

Chris

 

[KennedyMarx]

It's diatomaceous earth manufactured by Moltan, who I believe make the NAPA DE I have used, so it's likely the same material. The NAPA stuff survived many freezing and thawing cycles with almost no break down. There only complaint is the particle size is a bit small at about 1/8 inch after you sift the fines out. It holds a lot of water.