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Re: [nafex] Soil ammendmends (Not satire)



Joe, I have not used baby diapers, but I have not been seriously tempted
by "aqua gel", either.  Well, it occurs to me that I threw a little of
it in a planter next the the door last year, because the fixed concrete
box is completely protected from rain.  But that's a very small (and
very visible) location.

For a larger, and less visible spot, I bet a disposable diaper would
work well.  It would be a pain to shred it fine enough, but the less
visible the spot, the less important that would be :)  Moisture
retention is not a problem in my soil, so I don't think I'll be
experimenting.  I would recommend you use a new one, on the general
theory that people can carry diseases of people, if you get my drift. 
(That means giving up the ones '"fortified" with organic plant nutrients
and enriched with micro-organisms', but I don't think you want THOSE
micro-organisms.  I could be wrong.)  I'd also recommend you chop it
fairly fine and mix it well with soil, because otherwise I'd worry about
little roots getting waterlogged every time it rained.  Those things can
hold a LOT of water.

Let us know how it works,
Ginda

jhecksel@voyager.net wrote:
> 
> I wish to discuss a delicate matter.
> 
> I did not want to bring up the subject but planting season is upon us
> and the question can no longer wait. (Brag warning) I moved four pear
> trees last night.
> 
> I see that several of my catalogs sell soil amendments with names like
> "Aqua-gel" to be added to the hole when planting.  These amendments grab
> water and hold it.  So I presume they are most valuable in sand and
> gravel that have very low moisture retention.  Seems like I read that
> these materials are starch grains grafted onto fibers.  They swell up
> and absorb many, many, many times their weight in water.
> 
> So, my question is:  "Does anybody have any opinions, or admit to, using
> disposable baby diapers in the bottom of the planting hole?"  The
> absorbent material in diapers is the very same stuff.  They are *very*
> cheap compared to the material sold in the catalog....especially the
> ones that are "fortified" with organic plant nutrients and enriched with
> micro-organisms.
> 
> Who knows, this might be the start of a great business and recycling
> concept.
> 
> --
> 
>                                                -Joe Hecksel
>                                                 Eaton Rapids, Michigan
> 
> Home of organically fortified, micro-organism enriched, water retention
> planting aids.  Prices upon request.
> 
> Personal webpage open to the public at
> http://my.voyager.net/jhecksel
> Criticism welcomed.
> 

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