Vance Wood
Lord Mugo
yes this is a very good important question because despite what the akadama naysayers may say it is a one-of-a-kind product. I feel like the most important characteristics of akadama that I personally would want to mimic is the way it breaks down over time, and they way it holds moisture so well even prior to breaking down. I'm not as concerned about its CEC property. Did I mention its also lightweight?
Decomposed granite may offer the breaking down characteristic but it is ohh soo heavy. Moisture can be achieved with quite a few different components so not as concerned. I probably would consider a mix of 1/8"-1/4" DG, pumice, and fir bark. Putting a top dressing on trees that needed it.
Come on Nathan, you live in Alabama. What kind of winter do you have down there? If you put Akadama in my climate you will be lucky to have a soil mix survive three seasons, if Akadama were the primary element. When you grow mostly conifers that's not good enough infact it is downright dangerous.
Last edited: