An investigation on the nutrient and material effects of bark in komatsuna and tomato growing tests by using pots to determine the optimum mixed combination

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 en-hance 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 koma-tsuna growth.