• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
• /
• v.101 no.3
• /
• pp.443-453
• /
• 2012

The objectives of this study were to find out proper potting medium and nutrient levels in the soil to promote the root nodule formation in black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) seedlings. Commercial potting medium, compost, organic fertilizer, molded forest fertilizer, and compound fertilizer were used at different mixing rates to bring in various levels of mineral nutrients in the soil. Seedlings were grown in pots in a greenhouse for three months. Commercial potting medium containing peatmoss, vermiculite, and geolite was not suited for early nodule formation due to lack of nutrients, even though it produced good total dry weight. Compost was the best medium to promote both high total dry weight production and nodule formation with providing the proper levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil. Molded forest fertilizer was acceptable for nodule formation. Compound fertilizer and organic fertilizer was not suited for nodule formation. The potting medium should contain optimum levels of nitrogen (0.05-0.2%) and phosphorus (100-600ppm) to promote early nodule formation in black locust seedlings.