A special substrate, particularly appreciated by bonsai enthusiasts, akadama actually represents the contraction of the Japanese phrase aka dama tsuchi (aka = red, dama = ball, sphere, tsuchi = earth), more precisely, red granular earth, soil.
A granular mineral compound, similar to clay or unprocessed mud, of natural volcanic origin, is collected only in Japan, by surface extraction, sieved to separate different granulometries and locally packaged, to be used in horticulture either as a sole substrate, standalone, 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 between 2 – 6.5 mm, and the fine size between 1 – 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 the 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 reaction of the granules to the presence of water, in the wet phase its color being visibly darker, this aspect indicating to horticulturists when irrigation is necessary.
Akadama soil can be successfully used for growing bonsai, succulents, cacti, where it will represent either the sole substrate or the main component of the mix used.
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