The density and quality of roots developed by the bonsai are a good measure of the trees health. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the efficacy of chabasai® on various types of plant and the results are equally impressive in the case of bonsai trees.
Here we examine the case of two maple tree saplings, initially of equal size, re-planted in the spring, one in akadama and the other in chabasai®. By December, the results are incredible:
The chabasai® maple (on the right) is more well developed than its neighbour.
Upon removing the trees from the pots, the difference is even more spectacular!
The chabasai®bed is totally enveloped by a dense network of roots and mycelium. It is difficult to see the drainage mesh.
In the case of akadama, the root development is very clearly inferior. The drainage mesh is clearly visible and was very easily removed, unlike in chabasai®.
Upon untangling the roots it is apparent that the akadama granules crumble easily between the fingers, a phenomenon which is never observed with chabasai®.
The comparison of the root balls of the two plants demonstrates clear differences. In the specimen on the right which was grown in chabasai® the root ball is very dense and evenly distributed whereas in the specimen grown in akadama it is much less bushy.
Note that the roots in the specimen grown into akadama have developed mostly around the periphery which shows that the akadama substrate bed limits root growth between the individual granules.
show the difference in the size of the roots of the tree grown in chabasai® compared with those of the tree grown in akadama.
Certain roots close to the surface are very well developed with chabasai®which suggests a good quality 'nebari'. In akadama the roots are much less well developed .
