Effects of formulation including pretreated wood as a component of a growing media for tall fescue(Festuca arundinacea)

Abstract

This experiment was designed to assess the physical and chemical properties of growingmedia substituted with a range of increasing concentrations of pretreated wood and to relatethese properties to plant growth responses. For preparing the growing media, each material wascombined with rural soil, peat, perlite and pretreated wood. Physicochemical properties studiedwere similar to ideal substrate ranges for plant growth on growing media, including pretreatedwood. Physical properties were also well maintained over time. In comparison to plants growingin 100% rural soil, tall fescue(Festuca arundinacea) in the prepared growing media achievedbetter growth, especially when using the 50% rural soil + 50% PPW(peat + perlite + pretreatedwood, 3:1:6(w/w/w)) and 30% rural soil + 70% PPW (peat + perlite + pretreated wood,3:1:6(w/w/w)), and showed improved germination percentage. We confirmed the potential use ofgrowing media, including pretreated wood. Furthermore, our results show a correlation amongthe physicochemical properties of tall fescue(Festuca arundinacea); physical properties weresignificantly influenced by germination and aerial parts. The root length of physicochemicalproperties was correlated with bulk density and organic compound (p<0.01).