Hardwood Chips as an Alternative Medium for Container Plant Production

Abstract Hardwood chips of post oak, Quercus stellata Wangh, and Siberian elm, Ulmus pumila L., were used as components of container growth media for Pyracantha X ‘Mojave’ and Formosan sweetgum, Liquidambar formosana Hance. Both species grew at least as well in the wood chip media as in conventional pine bark medium. Micronutrients were of little benefit to plants in the oak chip medium but did increase plant growth in the elm chip medium. Drainable pore space decreased dramatically during the growing season, indicating decomposition; however, roots appeared normal when the study ended. Adding additional N above the level generally used with a pine bark medium did not improve growth.