Al- Question about 1:1:1 ingredents

13 years ago

Hello Al- I was wondering if you could take a look at the granite that I purchased for my 1:1:1 gritty mix?

I am concerned that the only crushed granite I can find has calcium added.

Do you think that will be a problem for my citrus trees?

I have included a link with a photo showing the calcium content of the granite. (As well as photos of the other two ingredients I was able to find in my area. Along with a comparison photo showing the size of the granite in comparison to the floor dry I will be using in place of the turface).

Your thoughts?

Thanks so much!

~Jessica

Here is a link that might be useful: Picasa web- Granite with calcium?

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Comments (4)

tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
13 years ago
Hi, Jessica. Mike already had your best interest at heart and had asked me about the grit yesterday. What does the bag list as contents? Where is the Ca coming from? Crushed oyster shells, Calcium carbonate? Calcium Oxide (CaO)? Dolomite? Typically, granite contains less than 2% CaO, which translates to about 1.5% Ca.

I'm concerned there will be pH issues or high levels of solubles in the soil after it's made. I'll wait to see where the Ca is coming from.

Al
Jessicasgrowincitrus
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks Mike! I appreciate your helping out too. :)

Al, I think I found the nutritional info on the bag here is the link to the nutritional info:
http://www.lumber2.com/Chicken-Grit-p/pm0060446.htm
The calcium may be derived from Oyster shells. If I am reading that right....

The feed store where I bought this bag was out of the 40# bags of chicken grit. That is why I ended up with this little 5# bag. I think I will call them tomorrow and see if they will call their distributer and find out if the 40# bags are pure Granite or of they have any additives... I am not sure if the 40# bags are the exact same thing, or possibly a different brand.

I may have to wait until they get their next shipment in a few weeks before I can proceed.

Being new at this, I am not sure I want the added stress (to me AND my plants) of having to tweak the pH constantly to get it just right. I am not sure I trust myself to do it right... I might just have to wait until I know I have just the right elements.

Bummer. I was looking forward to getting my hands dirty this weekend. :(

What do you think?

Here is a link that might be useful: PURINA MILLS NUTRI-SOURCE CHICKEN GRIT
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tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
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Based on the fact they list 'oyster shells' as the primary ingredient (even though it says crushed granite on the bag) I think I'd pass - unless you want to experiment. I wouldn't put anything important, or significant numbers of plants in it unless it was something you considered expendable. Sorry, Jessica. ;-(

Al
Jessicasgrowincitrus
Original Author
13 years ago
No worries Al. I would rather play it safe and wait until I have just the right product.

I want to get this right the first time! :)

Thanks so much for your help! I will let you know if I come across soemthing that will work.

~Jessica

Al- Question about 1:1:1 ingredents

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tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)

Jessicasgrowincitrus
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Al- Question about 1:1:1 ingredents

Comments (4)

tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)

JessicasgrowincitrusOriginal Author

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