No abstract

The effects of bark on komatsuna (Japanese spinach) and tomato were investigated by changing the nitrogen content of chemical fertilizers and bark mixing ratio. Mixing 25 and 50% of bark with soil improved komatsuna growth, and also exceeded the growth rates obtained by using chemical fertilizers. However, komatsuna could not grow in 100% bark alone, with excessive amounts of bark majorly inhibiting komatsuna growth. The aeration of bark also did not enhance komatsuna growth. The nitrogen content and bark-mixing ratio had a much lower impact on tomato growth compared to komatsuna. In comparison, aerated bark was more effective in enhancing tomato growth compared to komatsuna growth.