aha Ok I'll bite as i seems to a very pointed comment directed at meMojo Moyogi wrote: The method of soil component testing that Harry describes above, is a fair bit more exhaustive (and no doubt effective) than the often quoted on AusBonsai (flawed) "put it in a jar with water, give it a shake and leave it on a window sill" which I was taking aim at in my previous post.
.Yep I have kept a jar of diatomite on the bench for several years ( just to see what happens) and guess what? Still as good as the day it went in
Take that for whatever its worth, but it interesting
To reiterate your point, putting it in water for 2 days, then in the freezer is more exhaustive is it than just soaking for a week and seeing how it responds? who are you trying to kid?
As it never gets cold enough to get anywhere near to freezing in Sydney, I reckon that is about a pointless as driving over it with tractor to test its hardness!.
In many parts of the world, (and even in Oz), Testing substrates for freezing performance might be useful, but not here where I am.
as Bougy mentioned (and Harry Refers to in your quote), the first test is to soak, If if the substrate passes then go and do further testing if you wish ( as I have done many years ago), but as I alluded to, with the suspect batch of Diatomite from last year there is no need to proceed further as it failed miserably.
If you deem that to be
then that is your prerogative. Just do not stand on some self imagined pedestal and pronounce judgement as if that it only opinion that matters.at best a flawed test.
I would like to add that people who the sort of comment above, just try to impress the masses with their worldly experience and knowledge.I'd like to add that I have been growing bonsai since 1996, working in both ornamental and food production horticulture since 2001, as a Landscape Designer, Manager of Horticultural Operations, Growing Technician, did a rewarding stint as hired gun for a well known Melbourne bonsai nursery and have had plenty of getting hands dirty roles as well. I currently look after almost 1000 bonsai and pre-bonsai in varying stages of development.
Personally I like to show off my work to back up my comments on the site, where on the other hand you have been asked many times over the years to show your trees and work but sadly without success.
Ken
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