Rice hulls as your only aeration
- Thread starter rkmcdon
- Start date
PadawanWarrior
Well-Known Member
No don't use rice hulls only. And I prefer pumice and lava rock over perlite. Rice hulls and perlite break down, lava rock and pumice don't. I do use rice hulls just not like that.
Richard Drysift
Well-Known Member
Always thought the idea behind using rice hills was that they are eventually consumed leaving tiny holes in the root ball / soil food web for the micro-life to colonize. I just use regular old perlite myself; I like the big chunky style stuff.
PadawanWarrior
Well-Known Member
I gotta correct myself a bit. You can use them as an alternative to perlite, but they will breakdown and decompose. It's not a big deal if you remix your soil everytime and add more aeration. I'm doing no-till though so that's why I use pumice and lava rock instead of perlite. I did mix rice hulls into the no-till when I made it, and I've been using it as a mulch.
I've used rice hull only, but I don't think it works as well as perlite or the others alone. I think it holds a little extra water, so the roots won't get as much oxygen. The soil stayed wetter longer.
PadawanWarrior
Well-Known Member
Build a Soil. It's not cheap, but you only have to buy it once.
Pumice for Sale - Bulk Pumice for Soil by BuildASoil
Use this pumice as direct replacement for perlite last longer than perlite and has more minerals. Pumice is a perfect addition to potting soil.
buildasoil.com
Premium Small Black Lava Rock for Gardening - Natural Soil Enhancement – BuildASoil
Enhance your garden soil with our premium Small Black Lava Rock, perfect for replacing perlite. Rich in nutrients, our natural lava rock dust promotes healthy plant growth, improves drainage, and aerates soil. Ideal for garden enthusiasts seeking organic and sustainable soil solutions.
buildasoil.com
TintEastwood
Well-Known Member
Always good to confirm hulls have been sterilized.
www.groworganic.com
How to Use Soil Amendments-Rice Hulls
Rice hulls are one of the most sustainable soil amendments available for improving drainage, water holding capacity and aeration. Unlike perlite and other rock products, it does not require mining; unlike peat moss it does not require land disruption to produce it. Like coco coir, it’s a...
www.groworganic.com
PadawanWarrior
Well-Known Member
I got lucky. I ordered mine from the hydro shop behind my house, and to my surprise when I went to pick them up, I noticed it was from BAS. I was stoked. Not to mention I paid like $13 for the cu ft bag. That's when I learned they could get me a discount off the BAS stuff if I ordered through them.Always good to confirm hulls have been sterilized.
How to Use Soil Amendments-Rice Hulls
Rice hulls are one of the most sustainable soil amendments available for improving drainage, water holding capacity and aeration. Unlike perlite and other rock products, it does not require mining; unlike peat moss it does not require land disruption to produce it. Like coco coir, it’s a...
Parboiled Rice Hulls for Soil Aeration | Perlite Alternative – BuildASoil
Discover the versatility of our Parboiled Rice Hulls for winemaking and soil aeration. An eco-smart perlite substitute, perfect for enriching soil and refining your winemaking process. Safe, sustainable, and available in bulk for all your horticultural and viniculture needs. Shop now for...
buildasoil.com
I get a good deal on riceland par boiled hulls. $23 for a 50 pound bag of compressed hullsAlways good to confirm hulls have been sterilized.
How to Use Soil Amendments-Rice Hulls
Rice hulls are one of the most sustainable soil amendments available for improving drainage, water holding capacity and aeration. Unlike perlite and other rock products, it does not require mining; unlike peat moss it does not require land disruption to produce it. Like coco coir, it’s a...
TintEastwood
Well-Known Member
Memberberries...
My father was a miller with RGA back in the 80s.
Rice Growers Association of California | Worldwide Purveyors of Premium Rice
Worldwide Purveyors of Premium Rice
rgarice.com
OneHitDone
Well-Known Member
You should be able to source pumice at most grow stores and local nurseries. You wouldn't want to pay to ship this stuff by the bag.
I was looking for screened lava rock for my current bed project but settled on pumice since it is something I could find within driving distance and pick up in person.
Pumice is going for about $12 a cu ft out here on the west coast. Unigro is one of the main "Brands"
PadawanWarrior
Well-Known Member
Says $42.39 plus shipping.
Rice Hulls (50 Lb Bag) - Grow Organic
Rice hulls are OMRI listed and WSDA registered for organic production.A replacement for perlite, increases water-holding capacity and drainage.
www.groworganic.com
Bignutes
Well-Known Member
I like using both pumice and rice hulls, about equal parts of each. Pumice for longevity, rice hulls for aeration and organic matter. I've found rice hulls hands down breaks up heavy soils that need aeration, the best so far, it also resists compaction.
I was planning on ordering from Agron where it’s $10/ cu ft and I have an order that already has pallet rate. I’ve not had any luck finding it locally, but where I am, that’s no surpriseYou should be able to source pumice at most grow stores and local nurseries. You wouldn't want to pay to ship this stuff by the bag.
I was looking for screened lava rock for my current bed project but settled on pumice since it is something I could find within driving distance and pick up in person.
Pumice is going for about $12 a cu ft out here on the west coast. Unigro is one of the main "Brands"
I get mine at redbud soil in okc and pick it up to avoid shippingSays $42.39 plus shipping.
Rice Hulls (50 Lb Bag) - Grow Organic
Rice hulls are OMRI listed and WSDA registered for organic production.A replacement for perlite, increases water-holding capacity and drainage.
Rice Hulls 50lb. - Organic Aeration Soil Amendment
This 50lb. bale of rice hulls is a great alternative to perlite and other aeration amendments. It is omri listed, and can be used in potting soils, gardens, fields, and greenhouses.
www.redbudsoilcompany.com
Thank you. My last adjustment took it to about 50/50 and I have pumice on the way to replace the perlite
I haven’t actually started recycling my OLS yet. I’m getting everything in place and starting my worm farm. My current soil will go to the worms and next harvest I’ll step up to 10 gallon pots, fresh ewc, I’ll have transitioned to pumice, will hopefully have my recipe fine tuned and be cooking for at least 2 weeks by that time
norcalreppin77
Well-Known Member
My buddy uses coco coir and rice hulls mixed nothing else. He spreads his soil out in his yard so he doesn't want perlite everywhere. It seems to work alright.
Most feed stores will carry rice hulls and many large farm supply stores will carry pumice. If you're in the Los Angeles area, you can buy a 50lb bag of rice hulls at Damoors for $14 including tax. For Pumice, Whittier Fertilizer carries it for I think $1.50 for a 1/2cuft bag.
natureboygrower
Well-Known Member
I use only rice hulls. What was the problem again?
foreverflyhi
Well-Known Member
Like mentioned before, rice hulls would eventually decompose. Best to use them with another aeration. If you're in oregon, concentrates sells them for 12$ a #50 bag. Shipping would be crazy high tho