Effects of urea formaldehyde foam soil amendment on growth and response to transient water deficit stress of potted Flindersia schottiana saplings

Hydrocell™is a urea formaldehyde resin foam (UFRF) product used as a soil amendment. It is proposed to improve the physicochemical properties (viz. water relations and aeration) of the plant root zone. Flindersia schottiana is a tree species used in the ornamental horticulture industry. This study investigated the potential of Hydrocell™ [0–50% (v/v) incorporation rates] to promote growth of F. schottiana saplings during containerized nursery production in composted pine bark medium. The growth response of the potted saplings to transient water stress was also assessed. In addition, growth of F. schottiana saplings potted into three different soil types (sand, loam, clay) was assessed in the presence and absence of 30% (v/v) Hydrocell™. Under well-watered conditions in composted pine bark, Hydrocell™ treatments enhanced sapling leaflet numbers, with 30% (v/v) being the most beneficial treatment. However, no consistent significant differential effects of incorporation rate on either plant height or stem diameter were recorded. Extended time to wilting upon withholding irrigation was achieved, with the optimum Hydrocell™ rate being 10% (v/v). Among the three soil types compared, use of 30% (v/v) Hydrocell™ resulted in improved growth of potted F. schottiana saplings in the sand and loam soils, but not in the clay soil. These findings suggest that the UFRF, Hydrocell™, holds limited promise as a soil amendment for trees in the nursery phase. Optimum incorporation rates (v/v) would need to be determined for individual media types, specific irrigation regimes and individual taxa.