Published Soil Substrate Article

[PaulS]

It's a well written article Aaron. It's very interesting and not too technical; easy to understand for the less experienced people (like me).. IMO, outstanding.
Paul

[JMLenke]

I keep referencing it regarding the tub of goo I have sitting outside.

[JMLenke]

One question, instead of buying a big bag of dolomite, could I use the crushed coral I already have?

Thought of another one, and this is probably easily answered but I just dont know.

If the soil is being mineralized while it is moist, wouldnt you want the soil to stay moist longer?

i.e. leave the soil in the tub and just keep turning it to mix it up while it dries?

[Judi]

Nice article; makes me think that sometime I should get brave enough to try a soil substrate!

[Aaron]

One question, instead of buying a big bag of dolomite, could I use the crushed coral I already have?

I'm not sure they are the same. Perhaps Sean will chime in here when he gets a chance. I know he's out of town caring for his father at the moment.

Thought of another one, and this is probably easily answered but I just dont know.

If the soil is being mineralized while it is moist, wouldnt you want the soil to stay moist longer?

i.e. leave the soil in the tub and just keep turning it to mix it up while it dries?

Well, technically that would work too. The idea behind spreading it out on the tarp is to expose more surface area to the air. I think it would still mineralize faster by spreading it because of the increased oxygen levels. You could just mist it with a hose every few days to keep it moist while it is on the tarp.

[JMLenke]

well mine is sitting in a tub out on my balcony right now (hint for condo dwellers, it is A TON harder when you have people below you), gonna get a tarp this week and start the first drain-n-dry.

[Aaron]

Yes, condos make playing with dirt a tricky situation. I make mine over at the 'rents house in the woods and then lay it out in the driveway.

I know Viktor made his in the extra bathtub one time. He must have had 1,000,000 brownie points to cash in with his wife.

[DelawareJim]

One question, instead of buying a big bag of dolomite, could I use the crushed coral I already have?

I'm not sure they are the same. Perhaps Sean will chime in here when he gets a chance. I know he's out of town caring for his father at the moment.

Thought of another one, and this is probably easily answered but I just dont know.

If the soil is being mineralized while it is moist, wouldnt you want the soil to stay moist longer?

i.e. leave the soil in the tub and just keep turning it to mix it up while it dries?

Well, technically that would work too. The idea behind spreading it out on the tarp is to expose more surface area to the air. I think it would still mineralize faster by spreading it because of the increased oxygen levels. You could just mist it with a hose every few days to keep it moist while it is on the tarp.

By "mineralizing" the soil, you're trying to speed up the decomposition of the organic material in the soil so all you have left is the mineral fraction of the original soil. As Aaron said, you are spreading it out to maximize the air/oxygen exposure so the micro fauna decompose the organic fraction as quickly as possible. Draining and drying also removes the disolved organic compounds (DOCs) from the decomposition from the water column. You could just keep it moist and turn it frequently like composting but with the small amount of water involved, decomposition and removing the DOCs would take much longer.

Cheers.
Jim

[RTRJR]

Back in the dark ages of "soil soup" as on APD, the stuff was kept moist to wet throughout. If kept really shallow (~1/2" thick max) you could get away with it.

If you think Sean's Miracle Mud is less than pleasantly aromatic, try soil soup that you have not been conscientious about stirring. Swamp gas anyone? Methane and hydrogen sulfide is getting rid of of organics the hard way. Do you really want ppt'd iron and assorted reduced sulfur compounds in the base of your substrate before you even start?.

[JMLenke]

I dont even smell the current batch when I am standing over it turning it in the tub (I turn it 2-3 times a day until I get the tarp).