On Saturday, April 7, 2012 9:30:00 AM UTC-7, SurfGirl wrote:
Hi gardeners, i'm wondering if the pine bark may consider a slow
absorption fertilizer or at least just a fertilizer.


Pine bark has very little nutrient value, but it is a good amendment for certain soil profiles and very good as a top mulch for most plants. I use bark quite often here in the PNW without problems.

I do have to ask how long have you used bark in your vegetable soils and if the bark presented any problems to date?

I think some here are confusing wood chips with pine bark. We now know there is difference in composition and decomposition activities than previously believed.

Dr. Chalker-Scott of WSU has some good articles on mulches and chips, some very different than the oft overgeneralized expert advice given here. I encourage you to read through several of them to get a good handle on her philosophy, she is a myth buster.

http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/~Linda%2...les/index.html