Re: [CH] Transpiration
Dave Anderson (Chilehead@tough-love.com)
Fri, 10 Aug 2001 14:43:17 -0700
Nothing! I've been using polyacrilimide granules for several years
with no problems.
Dave Anderson
> John
>
> Have you read what happens if the soil gets too dry?
>
> LB
>
>
> To All,
> If you will add some measure of polymer to the potting soil, yes,
> even if it is in the garden, rather than in a single pot, your soil will
> hold moisture a lot better and will release it to the plant over the time
> between waterings. The stuff is available through many garden stores who
> use it in hanging pots since they are quite prone to dessication from the
> excess breezes that result from hanging in the open air. This polymer is
> often available in granules as fine as corn meal, and in larger granules
> like rock salt particles. One of the rock salt sized peices will absorb
> 400% its volume in water ending up as a blob of jello about 3/8" in
> size. the finer grade is often used for bare root planting of tree
> seedlings and will make a slimy jello like mixture when fully
> saturated. The bare root tree seedlings are literally dipped in this gel
> just prior to planting to hold the moisture from soil against the tree's
> roots. The gel particles absorb water from the surrounding soil and draws
> it to the surface of the roots. with the larger granules, a couple
> tablespoons of granules in a 10 qt. pail filled with water will absorb
> nearly all of it and tends to hold it better than soil, which can lose it
> to drainage and evaporation. The polymer holds onto the water better than
> soil particles yet will release it to the plant as needed. The stuff is a
> real boon and does not release anything back into the soil yet remains
> there waiting to swell back up at the next watering. Great stuff!!
>
> Cheers,
>
> John
>
>