Evaluation of three growing media substrates for western larch seedling production at the USDA Forest Service Coeur d'Alene Nursery

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  • Authors: Davis, Anthony S.; Eggleston, Kent; Pinto, Jeremy R.; Dumroese, R. Kasten
  • Publication Year: 2009
  • Publication Series: Proceedings (P)
  • Source: In: Dumroese, R. K.; Riley, L. E., tech. coords. National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations-2008. Proc. RMRS-P-58. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 37-41

Abstract

In response to concerns regarding growing media substrate costs, and the impact of growing media on seedling quality, we evaluated three peat-based growing media substrates at the USDA Forest Service Coeur d'Alene Nursery in Idaho. Current medium consists of 80:20 peat:fresh Douglas-fir sawdust (v:v). Two other substrates, 75:25 peat:fine screened Douglas-fir bark (v:v) and 100% peat were explored as alternatives. Although sawdust and bark are currently sold at less than half the cost of peat, making them interesting alternatives from a financial basis, we found that western larch seedlings performed best when grown in either the 100% peat medium or the peat:bark medium.

  • Citation: Davis, Anthony S.; Eggleston, Kent; Pinto, Jeremy R.; Dumroese, R. Kasten 2009. Evaluation of three growing media substrates for western larch seedling production at the USDA Forest Service Coeur d''Alene Nursery. In: Dumroese, R. K.; Riley, L. E., tech. coords. National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations-2008. Proc. RMRS-P-58. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 37-41
  • Keywords: sawdust, Douglas-fir bark, peat, growth rate, nitrogen immobilization
  • Posted Date: May 19, 2009
  • Modified Date: April 1, 1980

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