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Here are some answers for you.
1. First when you repot from nursery stock the first goal should not be into a smaller pot but the correcting of the root ball for a better nebari. Remember that if you want to plant into a shallow pot or tray you are going to have to create a flat root spread with good radial roots and lots of feeder roots. To do this requires a drastic root pruning (refer to articles in bonsai today or the original Japanese magizines) to correct the effects of growing in one and five gallon pots.
2. Yes you should remove all field soil or old soil from nursery stock as it will keep feeder roots from growing close to the trees trunk. Also will prevent root rot under the trees trunk.
3. You will find that all organic material in your soil mix will decompose and break down to mud in three to four years. To recycle the inorganic material in your bonsai mix spread it out very thin on concrete slab or driveway in mid summer, when it is dry as dust resift it and wash it and it will be ready to reuse as a componet in your bonsai soil. Just reintroduce your organic material and your soil is again complete and ready to use.
ripsgreentree

11-Jan-2002	#2
ripsgreentree bonsaiTALK Master Chief Join Date: Sep-2001 Location: Fresno, CA Country: U.S.A USDA Zone: 9 AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 1,260	Re: soil and repotting Here are some answers for you. 1. First when you repot from nursery stock the first goal should not be into a smaller pot but the correcting of the root ball for a better nebari. Remember that if you want to plant into a shallow pot or tray you are going to have to create a flat root spread with good radial roots and lots of feeder roots. To do this requires a drastic root pruning (refer to articles in bonsai today or the original Japanese magizines) to correct the effects of growing in one and five gallon pots. 2. Yes you should remove all field soil or old soil from nursery stock as it will keep feeder roots from growing close to the trees trunk. Also will prevent root rot under the trees trunk. 3. You will find that all organic material in your soil mix will decompose and break down to mud in three to four years. To recycle the inorganic material in your bonsai mix spread it out very thin on concrete slab or driveway in mid summer, when it is dry as dust resift it and wash it and it will be ready to reuse as a componet in your bonsai soil. Just reintroduce your organic material and your soil is again complete and ready to use. ripsgreentree __________________ ripsgreentree It requires an open hand to give and to recieve.