Soil Chemical Properties of Raised Planting Beds in a Northern Idaho Forest

摘要

Mounded soil of mixed organic residues and mineral soil had higher concentrations of critical chemical components in seedling rooting zones when compared to scalped planting sites. Total N, total P, exchangeable Ca, Mg, and K, and available nitrogen were all improved by mounding. Improving chemical properties in planting beds (mounds) will likely enhance both survival and long-term growth of outplanted seedlings in many Inland Northwest soils. Although scalping increases early survival of conifer seedlings on sites with severe competition, reductions in both organic matter and nutrients, especially available nitrogen, may diminish site productivity over the long term.