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happy_josh
Joined: 22 Jan 2007
Posts: 3
Location: Dallas,TEXAS
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| Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2007 8:37 am Post subject: Please HELP me identify this substance |
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I planted an October Glory Red Maple tree in our backyard last fall following the Organic Method. About 2 weeks ago I purchased and injected “mycorrhizal fungi” to help wit the root stimulation. In addition, this past weekend I applied and Organic Fertilizer that included turkey manure, molasses, etc. with some fresh native mulch. After the recent rain we had, I came home yesterday and noticed the substance below around the base of the mulch. Does anyone have any ideas to what it is and if it is beneficial or not? Thank you for your help!
Josh
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P Ferrell
Joined: 26 Mar 2007
Posts: 20
Location: Allen,TEXAS
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| Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2007 11:12 am Post subject: Please HELP me identify this substance |
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Josh -
Looks like a hydrophylic polymer to me. The polymer absorbs water (can be in excess of several hundred times their own weight) and then releases it when conditions are dry again. When wet, the polymer feels "squishy", almost like Jello.
These are often added to potting mixes to help retain water in small containers where evaporation and drying is a particular concern. Not sure how they would have gotten into yur planting based on the applications you made.
Do a web search for "water crystals" and ignore the results that take you to another astral plane.
Regards,
Patrick Ferrell
Allen, Texas |
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happy_josh
Joined: 22 Jan 2007
Posts: 3
Location: Dallas,TEXAS
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| Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2007 11:19 am Post subject: |
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Patrick,
Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure if that's what it is or not. After researching "water crystals" a bit more it seems like it could be that. Maybe we'll get a definte answer soon though.
Thanks again!
Josh |
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sandih
Joined: 04 Apr 2003
Posts: 1037
Location: Dallas,TEXAS
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| Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2007 12:54 pm Post subject: |
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Patrick,
Does it feel squishy like jello? |
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happy_josh
Joined: 22 Jan 2007
Posts: 3
Location: Dallas,TEXAS
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| Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2007 8:29 am Post subject: |
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| Yes, it is squishy like Jello. (this is from Josh, whom originnaly posted the topic) |
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