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Home → Publications → Tree Planters' Notes → Tree Planters' Notes Issue 31 (1958) → A Test to Determine Acceptability of Sawdust as a Seed Bed Cover

A Test to Determine Acceptability of Sawdust as a Seed Bed Cover

Nurseries that use the broadcast method of seeding often have difficulty finding a suitable cover for the seed. Many materials for a seed cover are recommended. Sand is favored (references 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15). Other materials mentioned for use as a seed cover are soil, type not specified (7, 11, and 16); humus (3, 8, and 13); loam (6, 8, and 15); grit and fine gravel (4); sawdust (2, 6, 8, and 10); and various organic mixtures. The East Kootenay Nursery in the southeastern part of British Columbia started using river-washed sand as a seed cover. However, this sand was not always a good medium as it often contained lumps of calcareous material. This material, if allowed to accumulate, could cause seedling nutritional disorders. Consequently, a satisfactory substitute for the sand was sought. That led to the following trial where sawdust was used for a seed cover on ponderosa pine seed.


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Author(s): H. A. W. Knight

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Issue 31 (1958)