Korean Journal of Agricultural Science ISSN:2466-2402(Print) 2466-2410(Online) 농업과학연구

The materials of artificial soils in the production process of container seedlings have a great influence on plant growth. Peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite have been used as major components of artificial soils for many years; however, they could decrease carbon fixation carried out by the soil and cause environmental problems such as a change in the water quality. Thus, environmental friendly materials to replace them must be developed. The purpose of this study was to verify the optimum additive materials of artificial soils and their mixed ratios for the growth and seedling quality index (SQI) of Quercus serrata. Rice husk, mushroom sawdust, and pine bark were each used as an additive material and mixed into the growth medium at 10% and 20% of the total volume. There was no significant difference in the height growth of Q. serrata. The 20% mushroom sawdust decreased the root collar diameter by 23.4% compared to the control. The total dry weight was highest with the 10% rice husk and was significantly lower by 10.3% for the 20% mushroom sawdust compared to the control. Additionally, the SQI for all the treatments showed no tendency to increase compared with the control. Thus, this study showed the possibility of recycling biomaterials from agriculture and forest for seedling production. This method could reduce environmental problems and help eco-friendly nurseries to achieve a carbon negative impact by the recycling of by-products.