PEAT, BARK AND SAWDUST MIXTURES FOR NURSERY SUBSTRATES

Sawdust and bark are proving to be useful additions to the list of better known constituents such as sand, peat etc. used in the preparation of soilless substrates.
Growth response of plants and measurements of air space and water availability are guiding the development of new media formulations for the nursery and bedding plant industries.

Containered junipers and Erica grew more rapidly in Douglas-fir bark than in Douglas-fir sawdust or 3:1 sawdust-peat mixture but the sawdust-peat mixture was superior for Thuja.
Geranium cuttings rooted better in 3:1 sawdust-peat mixtures than in 1:1 sand-soil or sawdust alone.
Sawdust or fir bark were suitable replacements for vermiculite in peat-based substrates for bedding plants under adequately watered conditions.

Symposium on Peat in Horticulture

E.F. Maas, R.M. Adamson

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1975.50.18