Abstract
The relationship between water extraction (1:1.5) values and nutrient uptake in geranium (Pelargonium × hortorum Bailey) growing in moss peat (peat), bark, or moss peat and soil media was investigated. Nitrogen, P, and K fertilizers were incorporated in increments in the starting media and applied again in solution, about at the crop midpoint. Desirable nutrient N(NH4 +-N + NO3 --N), P(H2PO4 --P) and K(K+) values (DV) from media analysis at the start of the experiments (MDV) and midway to flowering (FDV) also were calculated from regression equations on the basis of maximum growth rates, maximum dry weight production at midharvest, and final harvest. The relationships between plant uptake of N, P, and K and the water extract concentrations were generally very good, except for K in bark for both harvests and in peat at the first harvest, and an underestimated P uptake in peat + soil and in bark. The media DV obtained using growth data were broadly similar to those using plant dry weight data, although somewhat lower for N during the early growing period.
serve to make poultry feather a desirable component for greenhouse substrates. Evans (2004) demonstrated that ground poultry feather fiber could be used to grow several annual bedding plant species successfully when used in peat or bark-based substrates
sample per individual (total of 30 samples). The bark and core of the samples were analyzed independently. All samples were oven-dried to constant weight, at 105 °C and ground in a suitable mill. Sample weights of 30 mg were separated for C and N
individual, for a total of 25 samples. The bark and core of the samples were analyzed independently. All samples were oven-dried to a constant weight at 105 °C and ground in a suitable mill. Sample weights of 30 mg were separated for C and N determination
Container nurseries in Oregon use fresh and aged douglas fir bark (DFB). Although there is no general agreement as to what constitutes fresh, aged, or composted bark, the terms are used frequently in the nursery industry. For clarity, we offer the
quality and quick salability. Stratifying high-performance peat-based substrates atop of low-cost pine bark may present benefits for growers in the form of reducing peat use and subsequently lowering substrate-related expenditures. To expand, a high
Container crops in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) are grown primarily in Douglas fir [ Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel) Franco] bark (DFB). Similar to pine ( Pinus taeda L.) bark in the southeast U.S., DFB comprises the highest portion of most
In soilless culture, bark-based substrates continue to be a leading soilless substrate in container production ( Gruda 2021 ). Bark was previously (< 1970s) considered a by-product of the timber industry and was deemed a useless, costly waste
In the eastern United States, nurseries use either loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.) or longleaf pine ( Pinus palustris Mill.) bark as the primary organic component in soilless substrates. Pine bark was initially used as a growing substrate in the
results from microbial decomposition of organic matter, particularly when the carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio of the organic material exceeds 30:1 ( Bunt, 1988 ; Nelson, 2011 ). Aged barks, sawdust, hammer-milled pine tree materials, and other wood