Is Ericaceous Compost Loam Based?

January 19, 2023

When choosing compost, you must get the facts right for great results. You should ask the right questions and ensure you get the answers right.

For example, is Ericaceous compost loam-based? Depending on the answer, is that a good or a bad thing?

There are also two important aspects that one needs to understand in this case. What is ericaceous compost, and what does loam-based mean in this context?

How do they benefit the plants individually and as a combination? Every gardener needs to know these answers to make wise decisions.

Table of Contents

About Loam-Based Compost

The mention of loam in the loam-based shows that it is one of its components. It also indicates that it has other components.

On the other hand, loam comprises three soils which are as follows;

Sandy soil: It is no secret that it is poor in water retention because of the sand particles. Despite that, it boosts drainage and aeration in the soil.
Clay particles: On the other hand, this component improves the soil’s compactness thanks to its tiny particles. It also increases the retention of water in the soil.
Silt soil: Lastly, silt moderates water retention in the soil since water logging is common in clay. It also improves aeration and drainage.

Whereas the three components play different roles, they complement each other excellently, thus creating a great combination. The organic matter in them is the icing on the cake.

Advantages of Loam-Based Compost

If a gardener uses loam-based compost, these benefits will follow.

Great aeration: The compost is friable and leaves ample space for oxygen to occupy. Consequently, the plant’s roots will spread well enough to absorb nutrients and water.
Excellent drainage: It is no secret that too much water in the soil can rot your plants’ roots. Fortunately, that won’t be one of your worries when using loam-based compost since it improves drainage.
Great water retention: Roots absorb the plant’s water to grow, survive, and thrive. This compost retains water for a long time, making it easily available whenever a need arises.
Optimal nourishment: Besides water, it retains nutrients for a long time. That also means that the plant can access these nutrients at all times.

What Is Ericaceous Compost?

Ericaceous means heathers in Latin. The compost is acidic and thus ideal for plants that don’t survive or thrive in alkaline soils.

Thanks to its acidic property, it promotes many plants that thrive under such circumstances. They include the following;

Checkerberry
Camellias
Acer trees
Heathers
Rhododendrons
Azaleas
Blueberries

Most farmers prefer this compost for two main reasons, which are as follows;

It ensures that the plants thrive as long as they love acidic soils
It also improves the pH level of the soil
Ericaceous compost is also ideal for excellent top dressing
It feeds and nurtures plants effectively
It regulates the soil’s moisture

Is Ericaceous Compost Loam Based?

With well-defined ericaceous and loam-based compost, let’s return to our million-dollar question. Is ericaceous compost loam based?

The answer is yes or no, depending on the compost at hand. That’s because some contain loam, whereas others don’t.

In most cases, the available ericaceous composts aren’t loam-based. Therefore, it wouldn’t be wise to use it as a medium for your plants to grow.

On the contrary, it is most suitable for additive medium. Most gardeners use it to amend the soil, especially when lowering its alkalinity.

If the plants you intend to plant flourish in acidic soils, it is advisable to use loam-based ericaceous compost. The vice versa is also true.

Remember that ericaceous falls short as a growing medium. That’s because it is often too acidic to support most plants’ growth and, more so, thriving.

Equally important, it is not strong enough to support the roots. Without a strong and well-structured root system, one would be naïve to expect great results.

Nevertheless, if you choose loam-based ericaceous loam, it can effectively serve as a growing medium. That’s because it also contains balanced loam.

Benefits of Loam in Ericaceous Compost

Here’s a summary of the advantages of loam-based ericaceous compost.

It boosts the root structure of a plant
It also improves the moisture retention of the soil
Loam-based ericaceous compost also contains organic matter

Under such circumstances, plants are most likely to thrive unless they don’t like acidic conditions. Even with such plants, it is ideal for lowering alkalinity to reasonable levels.

How to Make Loam-Based Ericaceous Compost

It is possible if you can make your loam-based ericaceous compost. Ensure that you follow these instructions for a great outcome.

Ingredients

Ensure that you have the following ingredients

Normal compost
Ericaceous compost
Garden soil
Petite
Sand

You don’t have to buy garden soil. On the contrary, you can fetch some from your garden as long as it is good since it has the loamy property.

Proportion

Once you have all the ingredients, ensure that you mix them in the right proportions. They should be as follows for excellent results.

Normal compost – 10 percent
Ericaceous compost – 50 percent
Garden soil – 10 percent
Petite – 20 percent
Sand – 10 percent

If you adhere to these percentages, the result will be a suitable growing medium. Expect any plant that loves acidic conditions to thrive in the above combination and proportion.

You are free to use it in pots or containers. Alternatively, plant your plants on garden beds and add the compost.

Ericaceous compost is a better option than peat. That’s because its counterpart comes from a diminishing natural resource.