Effect of Sawdust Age and Nitrogen Application on Chrysanthemums Grown in White Oak Sawdust Media

The effect of sawdust age and nitrogen application on growth of Chrysanthemum cultiver “Bright Golden Anne” Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat) in media containing white oak (Quercus alba L.) sawdust was observed for four ages of sawdust and four rates of nitrogen application. Fresh, 5-, 10-, and 15-year-old sawdust was used. A 20-20-20 fertilizer solution was added during watering at the rates of 100, 200, 300, and 400 ppm. Sawdust age had a pronounced effect on growth. Mixes containing 10 to 15-year-old sawdust were significantly better than mixes containing 5-year-old or fresh sawdust. Increased fertilizer rates increased plant growth in all ages of sawdust. Mixes containing 15-year-old sawdust and fertilized at 400 ppm equaled the growth of chrysanthemums grown in a conventional mix of soil:peat:perlite. Of the two mixes evaluated, a sawdust:sand media resulted in greater yields than a sawdust:soil:perlite media.

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