Effects of nursery seedbed density and topdressing fertilization on survival and growth of 3 + 0 red pine

Abstract

Two experiments with red pine (Pinusresinosa Ait.) were established on 1 + 0 beds at Midhurst Nursery in 1966 and 1967 to study the effects on planting stock of two seedbed densities (160 and 320 trees/m²) and three fertilization levels of topdressing (superficial application of dry fertilizer: control (none), normal, and double). Observations were made as trees were lifted at 3 + 0 and also in the field 5 years after outplanting.Lower seedbed density produced heavier trees, larger stem diameters, and in most cases lower top–root ratios for outplanting. It also resulted in higher survival and taller trees at 5 years after outplanting. The normal 'N' fertilization did not significantly affect tree size in the nursery but was related to decreased survival rate and performance after outplanting.Comparisons with white pine (P. strobas L.) and white spruce (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss.) are given.