DIY Organic Potting Mix's for Grass - Ace Spicoli

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Soil gas - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

The primary soil gases are nitrogen, carbon dioxide and oxygen.[2] Oxygen is critical because it allows for respiration of both plant roots and soil organisms. Other natural soil gases include nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, methane, and ammonia.[3] Some environmental contaminants below ground produce gas which diffuses through the soil such as from landfill wastes, mining activities, and contamination by petroleum hydrocarbons which produce volatile organic compounds.[4]

Gases fill soil pores in the soil structure as water drains or is removed from a soil pore by evaporation or root absorption. The network of pores within the soil aerates, or ventilates, the soil. This aeration network becomes blocked when water enters soil pores. Not only are both soil air and soil water very dynamic parts of soil, but both are often inversely related.

Composition​

[edit]
Composition of Air in Soil and Atmosphere[5]

Gas	Soil	Atmosphere
Nitrogen	79.2%	78.0%
Oxygen	20.6%	20.9%
Carbon Dioxide	0.25%	0.04%

The composition of gases present in the soil's pores, referred to commonly as the soil atmosphere or atmosphere of the soil, is similar to that of the Earth's atmosphere.[5] Unlike the atmosphere, moreover, soil gas composition is less stagnant due to the various chemical and biological processes taking place in the soil.[5] The resulting changes in composition from these processes can be defined by their variation time (i.e. daily vs. seasonal). Despite this spatial- and temporal-dependent fluctuation, soil gases typically boast greater concentrations of carbon dioxide and water vapor in comparison to the atmosphere.[5] Furthermore, concentration of other gases, such as methane and nitrous oxide, are relatively minor yet significant in determining greenhouse gas flux and anthropogenic impact on soils.[3]

 

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Water Retention​

The soil matrix retains water by two mechanisms. First, water can be adsorbed on particle surfaces (especially clay particles due to their reactive large surface area), and second, water can be held in soil pores by capillarity.

Water entering the soil​

When water enters dry soil, the most rapid flow will initially take place in large pores. Fine porous systems, such as aggregates with a high clay content, will wet up more slowly.

Water draining from soil​

Pores larger than 30 µm in diameter cannot retain water against the downward pull by the force of gravity. A saturated soil will lose water by drainage depending on the volume of soil space represented by such large pores.

Water holding characteristics of soil​

The soil matrix contains pores of a large range of sizes and shapes, as a result of soil-specific particle size distribution (soil texture) and aggregate size distribution (soil structure).
Water is held more tightly in smaller pores than in larger pores. Clay soils retain more water and for longer periods than sandy soils. High-swelling clays (montmorillonite) can adsorb very large amounts of water, as can organic matter, which by weight can retain more water than soil.

Plant Available Water​

The amount of water plants absorb from soils is determined by a number of plant, climatic, and soil variables. An important soil characteristic that affects plant water uptake is soil moisture tension or matric potential. The range of plant-available water is defined as that between field capacity (a matric potential of -10 kPa) and permanent wilting point (a matric potential of -1500 kPa).
A soil is at field capacity when, after saturation, all water has been drained from macropores by gravity. The wilting point is reached when, in drying soil, water is held so tightly that the rate of its supply to plants will be so slow that the plants will stay wilted.

Non-limiting Water Range​

The non-limiting water range (NLWR) is the range of water content for which plant growth is not seriously reduced by water availability, aeration (AL), or soil strength (SSL). Soils with a large NLWR (usually limited by permanent wilting point (PWP) and field capacity (FC)) are relatively easy to manage; excess water can drain away, and there is good water storage. Soils with a small NLWR are more difficult to manage; for good plant growth, the water content needs to be held in a narrow range (e.g., by frequent irrigation). Amelioration may be possible to widen the NLWR.

This content is still being developed, and you may find bugs, spelling mistakes, or other issues. Any feedback can be directed to your unit coordinator, and is greatly appreciated.

 

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Plant nutrients, their chemical symbols, and the ionic forms common in soils and available for plant uptake[13]

Element	Symbol	Ion or molecule
Carbon	C	CO2 (mostly through leaf and root litter)
Hydrogen	H	H+, HOH (water)
Oxygen	O	O2−, OH −, CO32−, SO42−, CO2
Phosphorus	P	H2PO4 −, HPO42− (phosphates)
Potassium	K	K+
Nitrogen	N	NH4+, NO3 − (ammonium, nitrate)
Sulfur	S	SO42−
Calcium	Ca	Ca2+
Iron	Fe	Fe2+, Fe3+ (ferrous, ferric)
Magnesium	Mg	Mg2+
Boron	B	H3BO3, H2BO3 −, B(OH)4 −
Manganese	Mn	Mn2+
Copper	Cu	Cu2+
Zinc	Zn	Zn2+
Molybdenum	Mo	MoO42− (molybdate)
Chlorine	Cl	Cl − (chloride)

Plant nutrients in soil - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

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Chitosan /ˈkaɪtəsæn/ is a linear polysaccharide composed of randomly distributed β-(1→4)-linked D-glucosamine (deacetylated unit) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (acetylated unit). It is made by treating the chitin shells of shrimp and other crustaceans with an alkaline substance, such as sodium hydroxide.

US4195175A - Process for the manufacture of chitosan​

Google Patents
https://patents.google.com › patent




This invention deals with a novel process of manufacturing chitosan from chitin with reduced temperatures, increased reaction rates involving higher alkali-to- ...

US8318913B2 - Chitosan manufacturing process​

Google Patents
https://patents.google.com › patent




A method for producing chitosan from naturally occurring chitin-containing raw material, such as crustacean shells, includes an optional pretreatment step.

Scholarly articles for Chitosan production patent​

… chitosan biomedical trends: Evidence from patent … - ‎Kurakula - Cited by 90 Chitosan-based hydrogels: Patent analysis - ‎Fatimi - Cited by 10

Patentology of chitinous biomaterials. Part II: chitosan​

ScienceDirect.com
https://www.sciencedirect.com › science › article › pii




by A Kertmen · 2023 · Cited by 17 — The patent particularly reported the injectable chitosan hydrogels that form chitosan sponges in the target site upon crosslinking with ...

Chitosan-Based Hydrogels: Patent Analysis​

MDPI
https://www.mdpi.com › ...




by A Fatimi · 2022 · Cited by 10 — In relation to chitosan-based hydrogels, the found patent documents are classified as 4532 patent applications and 1202 granted patents. Figure ...

 

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Chitosan-Based Hydrogels: Patent Analysis †​

by
Ahmed Fatimi
1,2

1
Department of Chemistry, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Beni Mellal (FPBM), Sultan Moulay Slimane University (USMS), P.O. Box 592 Mghila, Beni Mellal 23000, Morocco
2
Chemical Science and Engineering Research Team (ERSIC), Polydisciplinary Faculty of Beni Mellal (FPBM), Sultan Moulay Slimane University (USMS), P.O. Box 592 Mghila, Beni Mellal 23000, Morocco
†
Presented at the 3rd International Online-Conference on Nanomaterials, 25 April–10 May 2022; Available online: https://iocn2022.sciforum.net/.
Mater. Proc. 2022, 9(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2022009001
Published: 7 July 2022

 

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• 
  Media related to Soil science at Wikimedia Commons

Soil science
History Index
Main fields	Pedology Edaphology Soil biology Soil microbiology Soil zoology Soil ecology Soil physics Soil mechanics Soil chemistry Environmental soil science Agricultural soil science
Soil topics	Soil Pedosphere Soil morphology Pedodiversity Soil formation Soil erosion Soil contamination Soil retrogression and degradation Soil compaction Soil compaction (agriculture) Soil sealing Soil salinity Alkali soil Soil pH Soil acidification Soil health Soil life Soil biodiversity Soil quality Soil value Soil fertility Soil resilience Soil color Soil texture Soil structure Pore space in soil Pore water pressure Soil crust Soil horizon Soil biomantle Soil carbon Soil gas Soil respiration Soil organic matter Soil moisture Soil water (retention)
Soil type	Soil classification
Applications	Soil conservation Soil management Soil guideline value Soil survey Soil test Soil governance Soil value Soil salinity control Erosion control Agroecology Liming (soil)
Related fields	Geology Geochemistry Petrology Geomorphology Geotechnical engineering Hydrology Hydrogeology Biogeography Earth materials Archaeology Agricultural science Agrology
Societies, Initiatives	Australian Society of Soil Science Incorporated Canadian Society of Soil Science Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (India) German Soil Science Society Indian Institute of Soil Science International Union of Soil Sciences International Year of Soil National Society of Consulting Soil Scientists (US) OPAL Soil Centre (UK) Soil Science Society of Poland Soil and Water Conservation Society (US) Soil Science Society of America World Congress of Soil Science
Scientific journals	Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica B Journal of Soil and Water Conservation Plant and Soil Pochvovedenie Soil Research Soil Science Society of America Journal
See also	Land use Land conversion Land management Vegetation Infiltration (hydrology) Groundwater Crust (geology) Impervious surface/Surface runoff Petrichor
Wikipedia:WikiProject Soil Category soil Category soil science List of soil scientists

 

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Table 1. Classification of plant biostimulants.

Plant Biostimulants​	Key Points​	References​
Protein hydrolysates (PHs) and other N-containing compounds (amino acids)​	a. Mixtures of peptides and amino acids which are produced via enzymatic, chemical or thermal hydrolysis of animal- or plant-derived proteins.​	[34,84]​
​	b. Effective in increasing yield and quality of various crop products.​	[85]​
​	c. Categorization based on proteins, sources and the hydrolysis system; PHs boost both primary and secondary plant metabolism biochemical and physiological procedures.​	[86,87]​
​	d. Effective in alleviating negative abiotic stress effects.​	[24]​
Humic substances​	a. Include fulvic acids and humic acids which they differ in color, molecular weight, carbon content and the degree of polymerization.​	[88]​
​	b. They could increase cationic exchange capacity (CEC) of the soil and interact with root membrane transporters.​	[65]​
Seaweed extracts​	a. Extracts from brown seaweeds, e.g., Ascophyllum, Fucus, and Laminaria genera.​	[89]​
​	b. They are rich in polysaccharides, polyphenols and compounds with hormonal activity that affect plant growth and development.​	[90,91]​
Biopolymers (Chitosans and other polymers)​	a. Chitosans are naturally occurring components in fungi nematodes, insects and crustaceans.​	[68]​
​	b. They regulate plant-defense mechanisms related to phytoalexins biosynthesis, reactive oxygen species, and pathogenesis-related proteins making plants more resistant to biotic and abiotic stressors.​	[92]​
Microbial biostimulants (Mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal fungi, Rhizobium, Trichoderma, and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR))​	a. Symbiotic fungi, especially arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) within the genus Glomus.​	[14,16]​
​	b. Trichoderma genus​	[44]​
​	c. Beneficial bacteria with plant growth promoting properties also known as PGPBs (Bacillus, Rhizobium, Pseudomonas, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, and many others).​	[48]​
Phosphite (Phi)​	a. A phosphate (H2PO4−) analog which affects various plant growth and development processes.​	[93]​
​	b. Several beneficial effects have been reported in various vegetable crops.​	[69,94,95,96,97]​
​	c. Biostimulatory impacts on fruit such as avocado, banana, citrus, peach, raspberry and strawberry.​	[69,98,99,100]​
Silicon​	a. Effective against abiotic and biotic stressors.​	[11]​
Vermicomposts​	a. Hormonal activity of vermicompost leachates due to content in trace elements of hormones such as cytokinins, indolo-acetic acid (IAA), eighteen gibberellins (GAs) and brasinosteroids.​	[101]​
​	b. Phytohormones from three different classes, including cytokinins, auxins and gibberellins provide plant growth promoting activities in vermicompost​	[102]​

Biomolecules 2021, 11(5), 698; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11050698

 

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The main types of nitrogen found in fertilizers include: nitrate (NO3-), ammonium (NH4+), urea (CH4N2O), and ammonia (NH3), each with different characteristics affecting how plants absorb and utilize the nitrogen depending on the form it's in.

Key points about each type:

• Nitrate (NO3-):
  Most mobile form, readily dissolves in water, can leach easily from soil, considered the most readily available form for plants.
  
  
• Ammonium (NH4+):
  Can be held more tightly to soil particles, absorbed slower than nitrate, can slightly acidify the soil.
  
  
• Urea (CH4N2O):
  A common nitrogen source, readily converted to ammonium by soil microbes, considered a good balance between availability and leaching potential.
  
  
• Ammonia (NH3):
  A gas with high nitrogen content, often injected directly into the soil, can be very volatile and requires careful application.

 

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Common types of phosphorus found in fertilizers include: ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), superphosphate, triple superphosphate, bone meal, fish bone meal, monopotassium phosphate, and various forms of polyphosphates, with the most prevalent forms being water-soluble ammonium phosphates due to their quick availability to plants.

Key points about phosphorus fertilizers:

• Ammonium phosphates (MAP & DAP):
  Considered highly concentrated sources of phosphorus, also providing nitrogen, making them versatile fertilizers.
  
  
• Superphosphates:
  A common phosphorus fertilizer, with "triple superphosphate" being a more concentrated version.
  
  
• Bone meal:
  An organic source of phosphorus, derived from ground animal bones, providing a slower release of nutrients.
  
  
• Fish bone meal:
  Similar to bone meal, but sourced from fish bones.
  
  
• Solubility and release rate:
  Phosphorus fertilizers can be categorized based on their solubility, with water-soluble options providing fast nutrient availability and less soluble options offering a slower release.

 

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Potassium fertilizers include potassium chloride (KCl), potassium sulfate (K_2SO_4), potassium magnesium sulfate (K_2SO_4\cdot MgSO_4), and potassium nitrate (KNO_3). [1]
Potassium chloride (KCl) [1, 2]

• Also known as muriate of potash (MOP)
• A natural source of potassium that can be mined from ancient deposits
• The chlorine in KCl can harm soil microbes

Potassium sulfate (K_2SO_4) [1, 3]

• Also known as sulfate of potash (SOP)
• A premium fertilizer that provides potassium and sulfur in plant-available forms

Potassium magnesium sulfate (K_2SO_4\cdot MgSO_4) [1]

• Also known as sulfate of potash magnesia (MgSO4 or SOPM) [1]
• A double salt that contains magnesium and sulfur [4]
• Often used in mixed fertilizers for soils deficient in magnesium and sulfur [4]

Potassium nitrate (KNO_3) [5]

• Also known as nitrate of potash
• A specialty fertilizer that provides potassium and nitrogen
• Often used for high value crops that need a fully soluble form of nitrogen

Monopotassium phosphate [6]

• A source of potassium and phosphorus that helps strong root growth
• Should be applied early in the plant's growing cycle

 

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PRO-MIX HP MYCORRHIZAE™ is a high porosity peat-based growing medium ideal for water sensitive crops,
rooting cutting and/or low-light growing conditions that contains a beneficial mycorrhizal inoculum (Glomus
intraradices). These microscopic fungi attach to and colonize root systems to benefit plants by increasing
water and nutrients acquisition (especially Phosphorus, Copper and Zinc). This symbiotic relationship
between fungi and plant results in overall improved plant growth. PRO-MIX HP MYCORRHIZAE™ is suitable
for a wide variety of horticultural plants, especially when high air capacity and extra drainage are required.
INGREDIENTS
• Canadian Sphagnum
Peat Moss (65-75%)
• Perlite - horticultural grade
• Dolomitic and Calcitic
limestone (pH adjuster)
• Wetting Agent
• MYCORRHIZAE™
mycorrhizal inoculum
(Glomus intraradices)


Such a easy base to stat with

 

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A professional and organic greenhouse quality mix made for seed starting. Recommended soil material for Jiffy-Pots®, Jiffy-Strips®, and/or Jiffy® Greenhouses. Can fill Jiffy-Pots 3" up to 40 pots. Made with Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss. This mix contains 50% - 60% sphagnum peat moss, vermiculite, coir pith, and lime for pH balance. Jiffy Natural & Organic Seed Starting Mix is breathable. More Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://www.aapfco.org/metals.htm
Jiffy 12 dry quarts (13.2L)
For use in our greenhouses or Peat Pots and Peat Strips
Perfect for seed-starting
Soil Mix dimensions: 5" x 11½ " x 16"
Jiffy Natural & Organic Seed Starting Mix is breathable.

 

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PRO-MIX® HP MYCORRHIZAE™ is a high porosity peat-based growing medium ideal for water sensitive crops, rooting cutting and/or low-light growing conditions that contains a beneficial mycorrhizal inoculum (Glomus intraradices). These microscopic fungi attach to and colonize root systems to benefit plants by increasing water and nutrients acquisition (especially Phosphorus, Copper and Zinc). This symbiotic relationship between fungi and plant results in overall improved plant growth. PRO-MIX HP MYCORRHIZAE™ is suitable for a wide variety of horticultural plants, especially when high air capacity and extra drainage are required.

Chemical Characteristics

PRO-MIX® HP MYCORRHIZAE™ contains a balanced nutrient charge to promote initial plant development. During the course of crop production, it is necessary to initiate a fertilization program. The program selected should consider water nutrient content, crop type and stage of plant development. Begin fertilization within 7 days after planting and maintain fertilizer applications throughout the course of crop production. To insure plants receive proper nutrition, it is advisable to periodically analyze nutrient content of fertilizer solution, growing media and plant tissue to insure proper levels of nutrients are maintained throughout the crop cycle.

Ingredients

Sphagnum Peat Moss (65-75% in volume)
Horticultural Grade Perlite
Calcitic Limestone
Dolomitic Limestone
Macronutrients
Micronutrients
Wetting Agent
MYCORRHIZAE
Physical Characteristics

Air Porosity: 14 - 20% by volume (6 inch pot)
Bulk Density: 8 - 10 lb./cu.ft. (0.13-0.16 g/cm3)
Moisture Content:30 - 50 % by weight
Saturated Weight: 55 lb./cu.ft. (880 g/l) avg
Water-Holding Capacity: 50 - 70 % by volume
Chemical Characteristics

pH Range: 5.2 - 6.2 (S.M.E.)
pH Incubated: < 6.2 after 7 days saturation (S.M.E.
Electrical Conductivity: 1.0 - 1.8 mmhos/cm (S.M.E.)

 

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Having great success with Foxfarm Light Warrior starting media as well as their Happy Frog. Its dialed in with mycorrhizae and humic acids.

Humic Acid | CAS No.1415-93-6 | Saint Humic Acid

Humic Acid (CAS No.1415-93-6)is not soluble in water,as important component of humic substance as well as organic matter.

www.humicacid.org

 

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I love promix, I used to use it in the past and I loved it. They were using it at the University research greenhouses. Not sure if its locally available.

 

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PRO-MIX® HPO AGTIV® FORTIFY™ (BIOFUNGICIDE™ + MYCORRHIZAE™)

PRO-MIX® HPO AGTIV® FORTIFY™ is an organic-approved growing media with low water retention and high air porosity, enriched with Bacillus, mycorrhizae.

www.pthorticulture.com

PRO-MIX: PRO-MIX® HPO | Leafly

Get details and read the latest customer reviews about PRO-MIX® HPO by PRO-MIX on Leafly.

www.leafly.com

A representative from Premier Pro-mix was on The Potcast, I think it was, talking about their media for cannabis use.

 

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I used promix bx with mycorrhizae. I'm beginning to think inocculating with mycorrhizae for germination and later stages growing media is important. When transplanting tomatoes from Light Warrior with mycorrhizae I noticed the roots looked more significant with the fungal growth. They are healthier seedlings than I usually have without mycorrhizae.

 

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They also added bacilius in that promix hpo. I wonder how you add bacilius to the mix? Just water with the concentrate at label rate I guess.

 

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I usually get a non-fertilized professional growing media mix from a local mulch and mix production and garden center. I normally amend it with a small amount about a half cup chicken manure or similar fertilizer and add about a quarter cup dolomite lime per 2 cubic foot bag.

It works well too, but the plants seem to really be responding well to this mix. No side by side comparison though. Maybe next year we can test different mixes.

 

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@pipeline this is the one I have been using BX this and walmart coco seed starter paper napkins distilled water
Interesting fact in organic grows I always have burnt leaf tips other growers have mentioned it as well in organic grows
Feeding a little organic mineral salts has stopped that, dubi mentioned the burnt tips ... to me its not a big deal smoke perfect vs look perfect