Hansen wrote: Lucr

Akadama retains the water and can release the water when the roots need it.

Akadama are the only type of soil that can hold onto the fertilizer molecules.
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Those two statements simply cannot be true sientificly speaking. Yes it can be a sales pitch, Yes it can be a cultural missconceprion.

The roots takes the moisture, they are not given it.

The fertilizer are either solved in the water and therefore an integratrated part of the water or it is organically bound to coal.

If those statement was true, no plant could grow without acadama.

I do understand the hype with acadama. But it is strictly cultural and have no sientific evidense.

If there are any other evidense, I would be very happy to read it. If anyone have a sientific proofe, please provide it.

Br
Magnus

Akadama punice and lava rock 1-1-1 works well for me, I have said what I think about cat litter and will not repeat it. If that is what you want to use feel free, but I do not and will not. Us what works for you and ignore every one is probably the best policy. I made th mistake some years ago by listening to some one and changed the soil I was using, it was killing my trees, I changed back to Akadama, and I will never make the same mistake again.

The roots takes the moisture, they are not given it.

Wich is what I meant and said. Perhaps you misunderstood me.

The fertilizer are either solved in the water and therefore an integratrated part of the water or it is organically bound to coal.

If those statement was true, no plant could grow without acadama.

When you use organic fertilizer then the fertilizer will bound to Akadama. Organic fertilizer will not bound to cat litter or pumice etc.

What is most important is to listen to People that do bonsai successfully in your own area. The best practice is different in different areas.

I have just 3 years experience and use my knowledge from growing many kinds of crops, trees and plants together with info from experienced bonsai growers in my area. I know for sure that it takes longer than that to find the perfect fit for your climate. Plant and care. All of Them are integrated.

For now I dont have any reason to change my practice. But I am sure I will in the future. Because I have done it before several Times for several kind of plants.

Br
Magnus

There is absolutely no need for akadama. If you are in tje right climate it may be a good substrate but so are many others. As for the magical properties... Except for roots growing through it (leading to breakdown which might ne what you are not after for some species) none of the characteristics are unique to akadama.

My take on substrate? : www.growingbonsai.net/characteristics-of-good-bonsai-substrate/

There's NO Akadama in Brazil, and it is forbidden to import soil.
But there is Qualitá, which is called Brazilian Akadama and has similar properties.
And crushed bricks. And many other components.
A lot of people do bonsai in Brazil successfully, even if Akadama is not available. And you know, things grow like crazy around here...

leatherback wrote: My take on substrate? : www.growingbonsai.net/characteristics-of-good-bonsai-substrate/

Where it concerns the capability of 'holding fertilizer molecules', I'll trust the person who knows plant physiology and who knows what cec is...

Hansen wrote:

When you use organic fertilizer then the fertilizer will bound to Akadama. Organic fertilizer will not bound to cat litter or pumice etc.

Organic fertilizer? Do you mean biogold? I use biogold in baskets. It solves slowly when watering. So it is solved in the water. Both cat litter and spagnum retains water.

Br
Magnus

Perhaps this is also interesting for you:
www.bonsaiempire.com/blog/akadama-soil

There are other substances which have a high cacton exchange capacity. Only akadama is absolutely 100% not true.

Wouldn't all fertilizer be pointless if only akadama was capable of holding onto the ions?