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How much Pumice is enough?

We have 2K tons of 1/8' minus pumice coming in overnight by rail for transfer and distribution via trucks.  During the transfer there is always waste from product falling from conveyors, rail car door issues etc.  The spillage just gets tossed into the dumpsters unless someone wants it.  Thinking of amending the yard here that is high in clay (garden is fine).  Would a 10% mixture be too much?
 
Nuclieye said:
We have 2K tons of 1/8' minus pumice coming in overnight by rail for transfer and distribution via trucks.  During the transfer there is always waste from product falling from conveyors, rail car door issues etc.  The spillage just gets tossed into the dumpsters unless someone wants it.  Thinking of amending the yard here that is high in clay (garden is fine).  Would a 10% mixture be too much?
Without knowing your soil composition, or the practices in your area, I'd have to ask... does the really work? It seems like it would be more likely to make bricks than loosen clay. (I'm asking, I really don't know) When I've had to condition clay soil in the past, the normal method was to introduce organic matter. although I realize that might be a bit more of a challenge where you are at.
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That might be a good question for your local extension office, if you have one in the area.
 
solid7 said:
Without knowing your soil composition,  (I'm asking, I really don't know) 
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That might be a good question for your local extension office, if you have one in the area.
solid7 said:
I mean, don't post so much stuff, if you can't keep it all straight answer the question or provide your own advice.
 

Maricopa County Cooperative Extension
 
 And you don't know the Phoenix Extension Office either? Don't expect me to remember this too!

Phoenix Cooperative Extension Office
4341 E Broadway Rd
Phoenix AZ 85040-8807
Phone: 602-827-8200
 
That's it for tonight, I tire of playing with others below my pay grade.
 
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solid7 said:
 I'd have to ask... does the really work? It seems like it would be more likely to make bricks than loosen clay. (I'm asking, I really don't know)
 
 

Very good point that I hadn't considered.  We do have decent soil from the millions of years of CACTUS dust.  LOL  Think I'll stockpile it for now.  Maybe add to garden slowly.
 
Nuclieye said:
Very good point that I hadn't considered.  We do have decent soil from the millions of years of CACTUS dust.  LOL  Think I'll stockpile it for now.  Maybe add to garden slowly.
It seems counterintuitive, but your soil appears to be more than decent. I've seen people from our area bring in soil from your area. And I've seen your plants. We certainly cannot grow in-ground plants anything like what you are growing, seemingly effortlessly. I'm jealous of both your access to the pumice, and your lack of necessity for it. (I'd be using it in containers)
 
Follow up on the "extra" pumice...  When the rail car would not release anything with the bottom door fully open my crew was summoned.  They typically use vibrators attached to each side of the hopper to assist with material flow.  This pumice was so damp you could make snow balls out of it.  The vibrators only compacted it into one solid block.  My crew spent all day with air knives working on it in 107 degree heat to empty only one hopper of one car.  No wonder this stuff is expensive, its a bear to transload.
 
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