Paper Mulch Helps Ponderosa Pine Seedlings Get Started on Dry Sites in Oregon

The rapid desiccation of soils with onset of the dry season on many forest sites in southern Oregon jeopardizes first-year survival of planted seedlings unless enough soil moisture is insured. Other vegetation competing for moisture may be eliminated by spraying with appropriate chemicals. Paper mulch, however, is preferable to chemicals on dry sites with sparse vegetation where frostheaving is often an additional problem. Here, mulch fulfills the dual purpose of preserving moisture and keeping seedlings in the ground. This report summarizes 5-year results of a mulching experiment with 2-0 ponderosa pine on such a site. The experiment was conducted in the northern end of the 1958 Bogus Burn along the OregonCalifornia border, where annual precipitation is 15-20 inches. Five groups of 200 seedlings each were planted on 40 plots. One group consisted of ponderosa pines raised from seed collected east of the crest of the Cascades; the other four groups were ponderosa pines raised from seed collected west of the crest of the Cascades at four different sites. Asphalt-interlined paper (Kraft 30-30- 30) was placed around half of the seedlings in each group immediately after planting. The other half in each group was left without mulch. Assignment of groups to plots, and assignment of mulch treatments within groups, were made randomly. Plants in each plot were spaced 8 x 8 feet and protected individually with wire cages against animal damage.

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Author(s): Richard K. Hermann

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 18, Number 4 (1967)

Volume: 18

Number: 4