Registration Eligibility
15
Start Date
05/10/2023
End Date
05/10/2023
Description
Session is designed to improve understanding of various soil components, and how they perform for a
specific use.
Session is devoted to understanding how Internally Porous Inorganic Amendments (IPIAs) perform
compared to other soil components. IPIAs are porous, and therefore absorbent, and exhibit good
potential to improve available water that reduces irrigation. IPIAs are a separate class of
amendments, approved by the USGA for golf green rootzone construction. There are three IPIAs - they
are calcined clay, calcined diatomaceous earth, and zeolite.
Study results from university research articulate important differences in each mineral and why
each one is best suited for a given application. Photos and illustrations will demonstrate these
unique properties and how they improve soil for various soil functions compared to organics like
peat moss and compost, and compared to other inorganics like perlite, pumice and expanded shale.
Session increases our ability to design soils appropriately for project-specific needs, and we
highlight projects that increase rootmass in sportsfields, increase establishment of roadside
plantings (some without irrigation), reduce density of rooftop mixes, and improve water holding and
infiltration of bioretention areas. We will see applications using reclaimed water as well as
several high-profile projects from across the country. Attendees will see application techniques,
application rates, and cost estimates.
Distance Learning
Yes
Course Equivalency
No
Subjects
Sustainable Development & Design
Health, Safety and Welfare
Yes
Hours
1.50
Learning Outcomes
Learn to distinguish features of porous inorganic amendments, and how to apply them at typical
rates and cost.
Learn how porous inorganics can influence soil performance and how each mineral structure, pore
size, and origin regulates each product’s most effective application.
Acquire new information on porous amendments and how they improve plant available water, which
reduces irriga- tion, with comparisons to various other amendments; and how porous inorganics can
improve nutrient retention.
See a diverse array of projects utilizing inorganics to improve soils, plants, and project outcomes
with less water.
Instructors
Rich Miller
Course Codes
Provider
Rich Miller Landscape Service Inc.