A study of extracted bark as a horticultural growing medium : A thesis submitted as a requirement for the National Diploma of Horticulture (Nursery Management)

Abstract

This thesis reports on studies of extracted Pinus radiata bark and its usefulness as a peat substitute. Of necessity these studies have included a wide literature review of bark in general. A number of growing trials and laboratory experiments have been carried out at a number of locations. The extracted bark used in these studies was obtained from a pilot extraction plant operating in 1979-81. A full scale production plant has now been built and is in operation. The new plant is expected to produce a more uniform product of a higher quality than the pilot plant. Where data on the new material is available this has been included and identified as (new).