A special substrate, particularly appreciated by bonsai enthusiasts, akadama is actually a contraction of the Japanese phrase aka dama tsuchi (aka = red, dama = ball, sphere, tsuchi = earth), meaning red granular soil.
A granular mineral compound, similar to unprocessed clay or loam, of natural volcanic origin, it is collected only in Japan through surface extraction, sieved to separate different granulometries, and locally packaged, intended for horticultural use either as a sole substrate or as an amendment in various substrate mixes alongside sand, conifer bark, peat compost, volcanic tuff, or ceramic granules.
The average particle size of akadama ranges from 2 to 6.5 mm, while the fine size ranges from 1 to 2 mm. It contains silicon dioxide (42.7%), calcium oxide (0.98%), magnesium oxide (2.5%), manganese oxide (0.15%), iron oxide (8.4%), aluminum oxide (25.1%).
The specific pH of akadama soil is 6.9, indicating a neutral to slightly acidic soil.
This product is highly appreciated by horticulturists despite its higher price due to its ability to retain water and nutrients while providing high porosity and efficient drainage to prevent water stagnation in the root zone.
An advantage of using this product is the granulate's reaction to the presence of water; when wet, its color becomes visibly darker, indicating to horticulturists when irrigation is needed.
Akadama soil can be successfully used for growing bonsai, succulents, and cacti, where it will serve either as the sole substrate or the main component of the mix used.
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