Technical Information
Melcourt Potting Bark^TM - SA

Product Description and Uses A matured, European pine bark chip, mid to dark brown in colour, with virtually no fines, designed for incorporation into peat-based or peat-free growing media, for the purpose of improving both air-filled porosity and long term structural stability. This product can also be used successfully as a pot mulch to suppress weed, moss and liverwort growth. Click on picture for larger image Typical Crop Applications Nursery stock, containerized trees, conifers, pot plants, pot bedding, herbaceous perennials, alpines, tubs and hanging baskets, interior landscaping, street planters etc.

User Benefits The natural durability and stability of pine bark make it the ideal growers' bark species This product is suitable for Soil Association approved growers or producers Promotes strong, active rooting as a result of ideal compost conditions Considerably reduces winter losses caused by waterlogging of the compost Because virtually all fines have been removed, the entire product contributes substantially to improving air-filled porosity Up to 20% less Melcourt Potting BarkTM is required in the compost compared to other manufacturers' products, which include fines, to achieve the same improvement to air-filled porosity. See The Cost of Efficiency of Melcourt Grower Barks Can be used on all types of standing out area, including sand beds, gravel and capillary matting Enables up to 40% less peat to be consumed Suitable for ericaceous and non-ericaceous subjects due to low pH Allows complete flexibility of fertilizer additions due to low inherent nutrient content Imparts long-lasting stability to compost The incorporation of Melcourt Potting BarkTM can give a measure of pathogen suppression, as has been demonstrated in ADAS/HDC trials, where significant control of Fusarium wilt in cyclamen has been identified. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the phenomenon exists for other pathogens, including Botrytis and Pythium Ideal for use in direct sticking media Excellent as an additive to a wide range of peat alternatives Product Features Produced from European pine bark Melcourt Potting BarkTM is approved by the Soil Association as a Restricted Input for organic systems. Virtually fine free, particles predominantly being in the range 3-15 mm Ideal for increasing the air-filled porosity of growing media pH 4.5 - 5.5 Very low nutrient level Long lasting and resilient Pest, disease and weed free Toxin free Pleasant odour

How to Use Melcourt Potting BarkTM should be incorporated at levels of between 20 and 40% by volume with either peat, or its alternatives. Generally the higher the percentage, the more open and free-draining the mix will be. Melcourt Potting BarkTM blends easily with other compost ingredients whether mixing is by hand or machine. It has very resilient structure, but as with all compost mixing, it is important not to over-mix, as this can easily break down the structure of peat. Grit should only be added to the compost mix if it is required for ballast, at levels not exceeding 10% of the total compost volume. It should only be added towards the end of the mixing time, in order to reduce its destructive effect on compost structure. No additional fertilizer is required, other than supplementary nitrogen in some cases. See Guidance Notes. Crop Management The addition of Melcourt Potting BarkTM does not require any changes to the normal regime of crop management, although as the compost mix will have a more open texture, some users may find that they require slightly more watering.

Direct Sticking Use up to 30% in a mix with peat or suitable alternative. No alterations to normal fertilizer additions or supplementary nitrogen are necessary. Pot Mulching To suppress the incidence of moss, liverwort and weed growth, spread an even layer of Melcourt Potting BarkTM at a depth of 1-3 cms depending on pot size, on the clean surface of the compost, just after potting. This product can also be used to improve the appearance of retail trees and shrubs, when applied to the clean compost surface just prior to despatch.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Main Constituent	Origin	Nominal Particle Size Range	Wood Content	Dust & Fines
Pine Bark	European	3 - 15 mm	< 3 %	< 3 %

pH	Typical Bulk Density Range	Moisture Content by weight as received	Air-Filled Porosity
4.5 - 5.5	290 - 330 kg/m3	53 %	62 %

Electrical Conductivity	Plant Available Nutrient Content	Requirement for Supplementary Nitrogen	SA Approved	Quality Range
200 µS/cm	negligible	yes, except ericaceous subjects	Yes	Deluxe

All values given in the Technical Specification are typical. However, some variation may occur from time to time. Melcourt Industries Ltd reserves the right to alter the specification without notice, for the purpose of product improvement.

Application Rates

20 - 40 % of Total Compost Volume

Suggested Product Uses

Product Applications Peat Replacement Direct Sticking Hardwood Cuttings Liners Potting Standard Pot Sizes Potting Large Pot Sizes Overwintering Several Seasons Pot Mulching Organic Composts Plunge Beds Border Soils Orchid Culture

Crop Types Pot Bedding Pot Plants Nursery Stock Specimen Trees & Shrubs Conifers Herbaceous Perennials Bulb Fibre Alpines Herbs Ericaceous & Salt-sensitive Hanging Baskets, Tubs and Troughs Street Planters Interior Landscaping Strawberry Pot Culture Orchid Culture