bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - Soil Stratification-applications to bonsai

Jason,

I think that the modern thinking, and possibly science, is on your side here. Often, what seems most logical on the surface doesn't make so much sense when one explores further. Soil stratification is one area that probably fits into this definition.

Thing is though; in practice, each methodology seems to work well enough. Many Japanese growers and practitioners graduate the size of soil particles and there are numerous texts, (as you point out), - including recent issues of BT and Bonsai Europe, that tell us that the corrrect (read traditional) way, is to use larger sizes of particles at the bottom and smaller particles towards the top of the container. These practices seem to work for them, however, personally, I have never used this methodology, but have always used the same size particles throughout. [Mainly because I am NOT buying different bags of differently sized Japanese soils, despite them being readily available here.]

Conversley, a grower I know well who has been into bonsai for over 30 years does stratify his soils as that was the way that he was taught.

Both ways seem to work well enough. In that case, why go to the trouble of soil stratification? Life is too short.

Regards,

Fish.

__________________
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16-Mar-2005	#2
Emperor Fish Bonsai Otaku Join Date: Nov-2002 Location: Hants Country: England USDA Zone: 8 ish AHS Heat Zone: 2-3 Posts: 570	Jason, I think that the modern thinking, and possibly science, is on your side here. Often, what seems most logical on the surface doesn't make so much sense when one explores further. Soil stratification is one area that probably fits into this definition. Thing is though; in practice, each methodology seems to work well enough. Many Japanese growers and practitioners graduate the size of soil particles and there are numerous texts, (as you point out), - including recent issues of BT and Bonsai Europe, that tell us that the corrrect (read traditional) way, is to use larger sizes of particles at the bottom and smaller particles towards the top of the container. These practices seem to work for them, however, personally, I have never used this methodology, but have always used the same size particles throughout. [Mainly because I am NOT buying different bags of differently sized Japanese soils, despite them being readily available here.] Conversley, a grower I know well who has been into bonsai for over 30 years does stratify his soils as that was the way that he was taught. Both ways seem to work well enough. In that case, why go to the trouble of soil stratification? Life is too short. Regards, Fish. __________________ Old age and treachery will overcome youth and skill. HEALTH WARNING: Engage brain fully, before typing into keyboard. "We are the average gamers and we'll kill you badly. There'll be no finesse. no fancy tricks, no inventive attacks, just 2 whole smg clips and a rain of 'nades."