Thanks justaguy for posting your results. My own comparison yielded the same results you experienced. The oil dri collasped into a muck that I dare not use in any of my plantings. I was hoping that the oil dri would have been a viable alternative to turface, because it is easier to find and cheaper.

I tried that test with the oildri I bought and it didnt mush at all. I wasn't even sure it soaked up any water as it remained hard as a rock. Do you think the bags could be different or the brands? Just wonder if I need to check some of my other bags.

Those products do vary by manufacturer and by batch because their intended use does not require high-firing, so if you're using something other than Turface (kitty litter or oil-dri) it's wise to check it all with a soak before you use it. Remember: If you're in a pinch & only need a little, Schultz bags Turface MVP in 25 lb bags and labels it as their 'Soil Conditioner'.

JaG - I forgot to mention earlier, how disappointed I was for you - to learn that you bought a fair amount of unusable product. I hope you can return it?

Al

I could return it, but we have 2 cats so thinking about trying it as kitty litter. It's actually a bit cheaper than the kitty litter we have been using.

It makes a great kitty litter! That's what we use it for.

cool! Thanks Rhizo. I thought it would work, but hearing from you that it does makes me a lot more comfortable.

It's SOOOO much cheaper than branded kitty litter, too. I think we pay about $3.50 for a 40# bag of the stuff.

Ooo! Does it clump? (Asking for my cat) ;)

Turface is fired at temps high enough that it remains stable, even if frozen. Some products substituted for Turface (oil-dry, kitty litter, .....) might not be appropriate if they are not fired at temps high enough, have added perfumes or odor masking additives, or are formulated with added clumping agents like bentonite or other products.

Al