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Full-Text Articles in Horticulture
Container Color And Compost Substrate Affect Root Zone Temperature And Growth Of “Green Giant” Arborvitae, Anthony L. Witcher, Jeremy M. Pickens, Eugene K. Blythe
Container Color And Compost Substrate Affect Root Zone Temperature And Growth Of “Green Giant” Arborvitae, Anthony L. Witcher, Jeremy M. Pickens, Eugene K. Blythe
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research
Container-grown nursery crops are commonly exposed to root zone stress due to inadequate moisture and supraoptimal root zone temperature (RZT). Compost substrates can improve water and nutrient retention but plant responses can vary due to physical and chemical properties. Dark color containers absorb solar radiation through the container side wall leading to excessive heat buildup in the substrate, yet white containers can reduce RZT. Compost substrates and container color were examined for effects on RZT and growth of “Green Giant” arborvitae (Thuja standishii × plicata “Green Giant”). “Green Giant” arborvitae were transplanted into white or black containers (11.3 L) filled …