ARS | Publication request: Development of Sustainable and Alternative Substrates for Nursery Container Crops

Submitted to: Symposium Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 1, 2009
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Recent instability in fuel costs have caused tremendous price increases and reduced availability of bark. Added to this, the decline in housing and construction has contributed to a decline in domestic forest operations which in turn have led to a decline in bark supply. Objectives are to develop alternative substrates from three different broad sources: 1) currently underutilized and/or waste biomasses (logging slash, forest residuals, corn stover, cotton stalks); 2) biomass generated from statewide efforts to remove invasive plant species (Eastern red cedar); or 3) biofuel crops that can be grown and harvested specifically as a substrate (willow, switchgrass, giant miscanthus). Once substrates are indentified, Best Management Practice Guides will be developed, demonstrated and disseminated to stakeholders.