Starting a new run soon and wanted to drain some brains about the idea of mixing bagged soil with sand.
I had in mind Ocean Forest soil with yellow construction/dune sand mixed in. 2/3rd soil to 1/3rd sand.
The goal is the same: increase pore space (more oxygen in root zone), and also better drainage (uniform wet/dry)
I maintain golf course putting greens for my job and so I'm familiar with growing on sand especially since my course is built on top of ancient dunes. This is what sparked my curiosity because the more sand the merrier for turf grass.
So with the goal being
1. More oxygen in root zone (larger pore spaces, resist compaction)
2. Better drainage and more uniform wetting/ drying
3. Save $$$ (sand is inexpensive or free)
What do you all think about mixing sand with my soil?
Any potential drawbacks im not considering?
1. Dune sand is acidic (5-5.5ph)
2. Less CEC than high OM soil (not as important with a "closed circuit" - I just leave run off in the drip trays until it gets used up it's not like it gets leached below the root zone like in outdoor crops)
--- it's not like either of these are really drawbacks.
Please, I'm going to try this unless someone has a reason not to. I'm open to suggestions!
Cheers!
I had in mind Ocean Forest soil with yellow construction/dune sand mixed in. 2/3rd soil to 1/3rd sand.
The goal is the same: increase pore space (more oxygen in root zone), and also better drainage (uniform wet/dry)
I maintain golf course putting greens for my job and so I'm familiar with growing on sand especially since my course is built on top of ancient dunes. This is what sparked my curiosity because the more sand the merrier for turf grass.
So with the goal being
1. More oxygen in root zone (larger pore spaces, resist compaction)
2. Better drainage and more uniform wetting/ drying
3. Save $$$ (sand is inexpensive or free)
What do you all think about mixing sand with my soil?
Any potential drawbacks im not considering?
1. Dune sand is acidic (5-5.5ph)
2. Less CEC than high OM soil (not as important with a "closed circuit" - I just leave run off in the drip trays until it gets used up it's not like it gets leached below the root zone like in outdoor crops)
--- it's not like either of these are really drawbacks.
Please, I'm going to try this unless someone has a reason not to. I'm open to suggestions!
Cheers!
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