Experimental testing has been conducted to determine the effect of amendment of soil with mineral
fertilizer, biochar, and peat on emergence, survival, establishment, and productivity of northern boreal
plant species grown on poor substrates in a controlled environment (in greenhouse). Four species (slender
wheatgrass, rocky mountain fescue, American vetch, and common yarrow) were grown in pots containing
poor sandy soil amended with mineral fertilizer and/or organic amendments (peat or biochar). The
greenhouse temperature, lighting and pot watering regimes simulated the conditions of vegetation
growing season in northern boreal forest. The trials showed that mineral fertilizer had a limited ability to
promote plant growth compared to peat and biochar. Both types of organic amendments had similar
positive effects on the establishment of two test species (American vetch and common yarrow) and on the
growth of three test species (slender wheatgrass, rocky mountain fescue and American vetch). Peat had a
stronger positive effect on emergence of slender wheatgrass and establishment of rocky mountain, while
biochar promoted the common yarrow growth better than peat.Non UBCUnreviewedOthe