Vol. 16

Title:
SOIL MIXES

Author:
O.A. Matkin

pp: 65-69

Abstract:
The term "soil mix" is rapidly becoming a misnomer. In recent years there have been millions of plants sold which never saw "soil" as such. In the past two decades we have seen a radical departure from the old "green thumb" approach to plant production. The beginning of a new philosophy probably had its start with the John Innes approach in England. With the publication by the University of California of Manual 23, titled "The UC System For Producing Healthy Container-Grown Plants", an overall philosophy was outlined which has become an accepted approach throughout the world. In any final analysis of events which have occurred and will occur, economics must be accepted as the dominating factor.

Since the number of potential soil mix preparations is infinite, we should look first at the underlying economic factors which must influence our choice of formulation.

1. Cost of raw materials is an obvious consideration. Why pay $5 for something which can be obtained in equal quality for $2.50? The

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