USE OF GEOTEXTILE DISCS AS CHEMICAL CARRIERS FOR CONTAINER NURSERY STOCK PRODUCTION

Abstract

Discs of several materials, including paper, fiberglass, black polyethylene and several woven and nonwoven (spunbonded) polypropylene geotextiles or landscape fabrics, were tested for container weed control. Weed growth developed with some materials due to decomposition and lack of proper fit. One commercially available combination geotextile-herbicide product gave excellent weed control. A slow-release fertilizer was then attached, giving not only excellent weed control but also promoting satisfactory nursery plant growth. This concept of using a geotextile disc as a chemical carrier (a “horticultural collar”) is being further developed.