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Home → Publications → Tree Planters' Notes → Tree Planters' Notes Volume 57, Number 2 (2014) → Effects of Combination Plowing on the Survival and Growth of Loblolly Pine

Effects of Combination Plowing on the Survival and Growth of Loblolly Pine

Six trial sites were established in the Southeast United States to investigate the effect of a combination of surface and subsurface tillage on survival and growth of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). The tillage was conducted in a single pass using a 3-in-1 combination plow. Seedling survival 1 year after planting was significantly greater in tilled plots compared with nontilled plots at two of the six trial sites. The increase in survival at these two sites averaged 10 percent. Seedling growth after 6 years was significantly greater in tilled plots than nontilled plots at three of the six trial sites. The volume response to tillage at 6 years on the most responsive site was equivalent to an annual growth increase of 29.8 ft3 per ac per yr (2.1 m3 per ha per yr) more than the nontilled control. In light of the small and variable response on these well-drained upland sites, it is unlikely that this costly operation is warranted.


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Author(s): Colleen A. Carlson, Thomas R. Fox, H. Lee Allen, Timothy J. Albaugh, Jose L. Stape, Rafael A. Rubilar

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 57, Number 2 (2014)

Volume: 57

Number: 2