Insomniac

I was looking at a composter, (a device that mechanically increased the rate at which lawn waist and other organic material is turned into compost)
This device had rigid tubes that went from the outside of the device, all the way to the center of it. The air tubes allowed outside air to have a clear run down into the heart of the composting material.
It reminded me of perforated PVC drainage pipe that runs on a downward sloap at between 6 inches and several feet under ground, so that rain water can be drained away from a house or other outdoor structure.
Anyway... my question is... would a few drinking straws hot glued into side holes in a plastic two or three gallon pot (planter)... allow more air, mainly CO2, to get to the roots, than just having holes in the sides of the planter??
The straws would either be horizontal or angled slightly downward from the side of the pot to the center of the pot, so as to no allow water and soil to escape.
Any opinions?

rockpython

IMHO, roots only need air either when in hydro or over watered... I don't think it would hurt, but I don't feel you would get too much gain... but you never know 'till ya try! Let us know and Good Luck!

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PipeWorks

I'm pretty sure the gains would be minimal. Maybe the same as putting some worms in your soil. I've done that before and didn't really see any noticeable benefit from it.

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PipeWorks

Don't get me wrong, I've def seen people put straws in their soil, not in the exact same fashion you are describing. I've never heard reports back about about any benefits (as mentioned).

I think the main key with making sure the roots have enough oxygen is good drainage. If your soil holds water forever, it will dry unevenly, and the roots will not be able to get fresh oxygen from the new water you are delivering too it. Which usually ends up looking like overwatering.

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NuNRG

put a fish bubbler in ur water barrel for like 24 hours

Sso

ive drilled a bunch of holes in pots sides.

the only difference ive seen is that the pots dry out faster.

if you have good soil with good drainage, the plants should have plenty of air.

but hey , what the hey, if you really feel strongly about it, just go ahead and try, it probably wont harm your plants and might be beneficial...who knows. heheh you might.

GanjaGardener

I can't guarantee it's efficacy, but I've experienced no ill side effects from fertilizers containing magnesium peroxide. The compound can have an effect ph levels, so the medium requires monitoring and could require adjustment.. MgO2 is inert in it's dry state and (conveniently enough) is activated by water. It's just another angle to medium aeration that's worth checking out.

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