Intensive forest management affects loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) growth and survival on poorly drained sites in Southern Arkansas.

摘要

We investigated if intensive forest management could enhance loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) seedling growth and survival on West Gulf flatwoods where winter and spring waterlogging and frequent summer drought limit loblolly pine performance. Fertilizer application, chemical vegetation control and mechanical site preparation (combined bedding and ripping) were tested in different combinations on six sites established in southern Arkansas, USA, in early 1999. Loblolly pine seedling performance was monitored in the first two (1999 and 2000) and fifth (2003) growing seasons after planting. Fertilizer application increased growth in all years. Mechanical site preparation affected only height and only until year 2. Chemical vegetation control showed no effect in any year of measurement, although the treatment in combination with fertilizer application resulted to increased growth compared to other treatments. Tree survival averaged 92% a few months after planting and then decreased significantly at year 1 (77%), and remained comparable until the last year. Tree survival was not affected by mechanical site preparation, fertilizer application, or chemical vegetation control. Results indicated that intensive forest management can increase loblolly pine seedling growth and survival on poorly drained sites in the West Gulf..