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Home → Native Plant Network → Journal → Articles → The use of coir as a containerized growing medium for Douglas-fir seedlings.

Native Plants Journal - Article

The use of coir as a containerized growing medium for Douglas-fir seedlings.

Abstract:

In response to environmental concerns and the need for peatland conservation, alternative growing media for conifer seedling production must be investigated. We grew Douglas-fir seedlings in 6 media; components included peat moss, peat moss amended with sawdust, and 2 sources of coir (coconut fiber) mixed with and without peat moss. Coir media had higher pH, P, K, and Na and lower Ca, and N than peat moss and a peat moss-sawdust mixture. Bulk densities of coir and coir-based media were lower than those in peat moss and a peat moss-sawdust mixture. After 21 wk, seedlings grown in coir-based media were significantly smaller and had lower foliar N and Ca than those grown in peat moss. Because of coir's many favorable qualities, we suggest further research using culturing regimes specific to the substrate's nutrient properties.

Issue & Pages:

Fall 2000 Pages: 107-111

Article Download:

1-2NPJ107-111.pdf (PDF document)

Authors:

  • Robin Rose
  • Diane L Haase

Keywords:

Cocos nucifera, Pseudotsuga menziesii, substrates, coconut