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

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.

Parent Publication

• National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations-2008

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