Abstract
Large-scale solarization has been used to sterilize used potting soil effectively and economically. Solarizing soils can alter some of the nutrients and properties of potting soil. It was unclear if these changes would adversely affect the growth of woody ornamentals. A growth study was conducted to determine if solarized treated soil would be an acceptable medium for growing woody plants compared to untreated, fresh potting soil. Solarized treated soil was mixed at two percentage rates (33% and 66%) with fresh potting soil and a control of untreated, fresh potting soil was compared. A randomized complete-block design was used with three replications. Viburnum suspensum and Lagerstroemia x 'Natchez' (crapemyrtle) were used as test plants. Viburnum height and weight and crapemyrtle heights were measured and compared. There were no statistical differences in growth parameters compared, providing that in this study, solarized soil could be used up to 66% of a soil mix and not adversely affect plant growth.
