Soil gets dense.

Hello. What could help make soil more airy. After 1 month it gets very dense and the amount drops too. I had full 4 gallon pot and now its less than 3 gallons. Could I mix a keramzit in it to buff it up (before planting in it)..

TheHero said:

Hello. What could help make soil more airy. After 1 month it gets very dense and the amount drops too. I had full 4 gallon pot and now its less than 3 gallons. Could I mix a keramzit in it to buff it up (before planting in it)..

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You are still growing in the pot? Or you want a good mix for next grow?

TheHero said:

Hello. What could help make soil more airy. After 1 month it gets very dense and the amount drops too. I had full 4 gallon pot and now its less than 3 gallons. Could I mix a keramzit in it to buff it up (before planting in it)..

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Use perlite. When you think you've got enough, add more. You can use large perlite and small perlite.

Lord Kanti said:

Use perlite. When you think you've got enough, add more. You can use large perlite and small perlite.

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I prefer pumice.
Plants dig it & I love the fact that it doesn't float.

Your soils compaction seems to suggest it was more than adequate at free drainage and that if you pressed it down more at potting time the level would not have sunk.

A heavy soil prone to compaction looses little height over time im thinking....

I agree with the pumice. Great stuff. Can be used for cuttings too. I can't get it any more around here though

So keramzit is not good to use in a mix?

Kingrow1 said:

Your soils compaction seems to suggest it was more than adequate at free drainage and that if you pressed it down more at potting time the level would not have sunk.

A heavy soil prone to compaction looses little height over time im thinking....

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No, it got dense because of watering. Did not press it down at all. So, You suggest to press it when making a mix, right? Make it more dense before planting.

Pull your plant out of it's pot.
Chuck a couple inches of soil in the bottom.
Reinsert plant.
Fill up any side space that's empty.
Problem solved.

TheHero said:

No, it got dense because of watering. Did not press it down at all. So, You suggest to press it when making a mix, right? Make it more dense before planting.

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YES! Not "hard" but, yes, press it down.

Ok, that has been solved. THANK YOU But, can keramzit be used in a mix? Keramzit + perlite+ humus + soil? And why those clay balls are even used ON soil?

thats what we call hydroton, and its usually used as a media in hydroponic baskets to hold plants in place.
i guess you could put it in soil, but i think you'd do better leaving it out and just adding a little more perlite instead.
people will put them on top of their pots to help retain water and stop fungus gnats, but i think an inch of sand or plain perlite would do both better

Over the years I've learned that perlite is your friend. I add a shit load to my soil even straight out of the bag. I may have to water a bit more often then others. However I never have overwatering issues and the growth is fast and consistent.

Perlite is your friend GL

Chunky Stool said:

I prefer pumice.
Plants dig it & I love the fact that it doesn't float.

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Perlite also breaks down easily. I prefer additives that last longer since I add my used indoor soils to my outdoor planting beds.