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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #259959

Title: Amending pine bark with alternative substrates

Author
item MURPHY, A - Auburn University
item GILLIAM, C - Auburn University
item FAIN, G - Auburn University
item Torbert, Henry - Allen
item GALLAGHER, T - Auburn University
item SIBLEY, J - Auburn University
item MARBLE, S - Auburn University

Submitted to: Southern Nursery Association Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/10/2009
Publication Date: 1/10/2009
Citation: Murphy, A., Gilliam, C.H., Fain, G.B., Torbert III, H.A., Gallagher, T.V., Sibley, J.L., Marble, S.C. 2009. Amending pine bark with alternative substrates. Southern Nursery Association Proceedings. 54:186-190.

Interpretive Summary: Due to a number of factors, pine bark supplies have significantly decreased over the past few years. While alternative substrates are being evaluated, many growers are asking if these alternative substrates can be used to stretch existing PB supplies. In this study, two alternative substrates, “Clean Chip Residue” and “WholeTree” were evaluated in varying ratios with pine bark to determine their effect on the growth of five different nursery crops. Both of these alternative substrates contain higher wood content than pine bark alone. The data showed that with most species, nursery producers could amend their pine bark with up to 75% WholeTree or 75% Clean Chip Residual with limited impact on crop growth. This process will also allow nursery producers the opportunity to become comfortable with alternative substrates before switching completely to 100% alternative substrates.

Technical Abstract: Due to a number of factors, pine bark supplies have significantly decreased over the past few years. While alternative substrates are being evaluated, many growers are asking if these alternative substrates can be used to stretch existing PB supplies. In this study, two alternative substrates, “Clean Chip Residue” and “WholeTree” were evaluated in varying ratios with pine bark to determine their effect on the growth of five different nursery crops. Both of these alternative substrates contain higher wood content than pine bark alone. The data showed that with most species, nursery producers could amend their pine bark with up to 75% WholeTree or 75% Clean Chip Residual with limited impact on crop growth. This process will also allow nursery producers the opportunity to become comfortable with alternative substrates before switching completely to 100% alternative substrates.