Seedbed Density Influences Production and Survival of Loblolly and Slash Pine Nursery Stock
Recent studies in Louisiana have shown that a nursery bed density of about 40 slash or loblolly pine seedlings per square foot is preferable to lower densities in terms of both plantable size and effective seedlings produced. (Effective seedlings are plantable seedlings that survive 1 year in the field.) If the criterion is larger seedlings or more grade-1 stock, lower bed densities may be desirable. Densities of approximately 10, 20, 30, and 40 seedlings per square foot of nursery bed were compared in these studies. Seedlings for two studies were grown in a small experimental nursery and those for the third in two of the Louisiana Forestry Commission's nurseries. Weeding, watering, spraying, and fertilizing were according to usual nursery practices. Soils were not fumigated, but no evidence of nematodes or root rot was observed.
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Author(s): Eugene Shoulders
Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Issue 42 (1960)