Growth and Chemical Composition of Populus deltoides × nigra Grown in Field-grow Fabric Containers

Growth and chemical composition of popular (Populus deltoides × nigra, DN 69) grown in field-grow fabric containers (FGFC) was evaluated. Unrooted hardwood cuttings were grown in 0.6, 2.4, 6.0, and 14.0 L (0.2, 0.6, 1.6, and 3.7 actual gal) custom-made FGFC inserted in 3, 6, 12 and 24 L (#1,2,3 and 6 trade size) plastic nursery containers, resp. A 3.5 cm (1.4 in) layer of the same medium was placed under the between the FGFC and the walls of the nursery container. Each bag was filled with a medium of pine bark; spruce bark (3:1 by vol.). Control plants were grown in containers of all sizes without FGFC in the same medium. Plant growth increased with increasing container size. Root dry weight of plants grown in FGFC were 21% less than plants without FGFC. However, there was no difference in top growth between FGFC and control plants. Soluble sugars concentration was 7% higher in leaves of FGFC grown plants, but leaf N, P, and K concentrations were similar. Roots outside the FGFC contained more N, P, and K than roots inside the FGFC. Soluble sugars and starch concentrations were greater inside the FGFC than outside.