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Has anyone ever used Turface to combat soil compaction?

This product is a soil conditioner used in athletic field maintenance. It is also commonly used by bonsai growers for its great drainage properties and high surface area/particle size ratio.

Among the potential benefits listed on the manufacturer's website are "adding needed pore space that allows fields to drain better, resist compaction and hold air, water and nutrients in balance at the root zone. This will enhance root growth"

http://www.turface.com/

I have very heavy clay soil and years of adding organic material has only made a small difference. This seems like a produc that could help that situation.

Any thoughts on or feedback on experiences with this would be apprecaited.

1/11/2014 6:41:09 PM

WNC Usa

Does Turface decompose?

2/17/2014 9:52:24 AM

Hinckley MN

sounds expensive. Turface isn't cheap. I have heavy clay and I ammend with bulk potting soil (peatmoss, perlite, pine bark, and compost). I also set plants in raised beds and bury vines by adding soil or compost ontop of the vine rather than trenching in. Basic do everything you can to build up, rather than bury.

One thing you can try that may be cheaper than Turface is add 4 inches of compost or 3+ year old coarse sawdust, till it in, then add 4+ inches of coarse sand and till that in. The combination of sand and organic matter will keep the sand and clay from turning into terra cotta.
You also need to increase drainage. Dig swales to pull water away from your patch, add drain tiles, etc. There are cover crops whith penetrating roots that can open up clay soils, too.

2/18/2014 2:17:18 PM