a natural product that is used as a mulch and as raw material for substrates
Bark is a natural product that is left over as waste material from wood production. There are two types of bark, composted bark and non composted bark. Composted bark originates from the fine spruce and Douglas pine from Germany. These are relatively soft bark species that have to be composted to get a stable product. Non-composted bark (previously known as French bark) is harder and mainly originates from the Pinus pinaster doesn’t need composting. This type of bark is momentarily mainly used as raw material for substrates. Nowadays this bark doesn’t only come from France but also from Spain and Portugal. Also other pine species can supply a similar quality of bark.
Among others Germany, France, Portugal, Spain.
The bark of Pinus pinaster is very hard and composting this material before use is not necessary. Bark knows various fractions from fine till coarse. Dependent on the fraction, the bark retains much or little water. The coarser the bark, the airier. Bark has a positive effect on the shrinkage sensitivity of potting soil mixtures. It is a stable material and as a result also brings stability in the structure of mixtures. Bark is an important raw material for orchid substrates. Potting soils with bark are applied in the tree nurseries and pot plant cultures.
The production of RHP certified bark must occur under controlled circumstances, at which especially contamination with among others soil must be avoided.
