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I have also grown trees in 100% turface, with no obvious ill effects. Like most of us, however, I have no way of knowing if the trees would have performed better with a more traditional mix.

The only way to know is to set up the experiment - grow several similar trees (10 or more, same species, same size) in a traditional mix, and a similar group in 100% turface. Keep them in the same place, with identical care, and follow their growth over a period of months or years. Watering for the two groups would have to be adjusted to keep both soil mixes similarly moist.

I wish I had the ability to do this experiment now. I would encourage someone with the space and trees to try something like this. Most of these discussions in bonsai come down to the same thing......"x, y or z is better because it seems to be for me". Very rarely do we have enough data to make an informed judgement.

Brian

29-Feb-2008	#12
BrianBay9 Trunk Collector Join Date: Sep-2003 Location: Loveland, CO Country: USA USDA Zone: 4 or 5? AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 1,371	I have also grown trees in 100% turface, with no obvious ill effects. Like most of us, however, I have no way of knowing if the trees would have performed better with a more traditional mix. The only way to know is to set up the experiment - grow several similar trees (10 or more, same species, same size) in a traditional mix, and a similar group in 100% turface. Keep them in the same place, with identical care, and follow their growth over a period of months or years. Watering for the two groups would have to be adjusted to keep both soil mixes similarly moist. I wish I had the ability to do this experiment now. I would encourage someone with the space and trees to try something like this. Most of these discussions in bonsai come down to the same thing......"x, y or z is better because it seems to be for me". Very rarely do we have enough data to make an informed judgement. Brian __________________ There's a difference between taking your art seriously, and taking yourself too seriously.