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The Effect of Fertilization on Seedling Weight and Utilization of N, P, and K by Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda L.) Grown in the Nursery¹

ABSTRACT

The first year nursery results from a study of the influence of fertility levels on the quality and field performance of loblolly pine seedlings are reported. The seedlings were grown in the nursery under twelve fertility treatments with three replications in the form of a 3 by 2 by 2 factorial design; three levels of N, and 2 each of P and K. Samples of the soil and seedlings were taken at monthly intervals after sowing and analyzed. The dry weight of the seedling tops throughout the plants development and the total dry weight of the seedlings at lifting were affected only by the nitrogen treatments which possibly indicates that the original soil levels for available P₂O₅ and exchangeable K₂O are suitable for the nursery development of this species. The rate of uptake of nutrients expressed by the percentages in seedling tops is quite similar to the normal development of this plant part as expressed by the dry weight increase, with 50% or more of the nutrients studied being in the seedling top within 130 days after sowing. The total annual nutrient removal by loblolly seedlings is comparable to the annual demand of ordinary field crops. This rate of removal emphasizes the necessity of careful attention to nursery soil fertility management. The soil data also further emphasize that attention be paid to the effect of nitrogen levels on soil pH and the exchangeable cations of the soil. These preliminary results do not permit recommendation of the proper levels of nursery fertility for the satisfactory field performance of this species.

¹ Journal Contribution No. 515 of the Mississippi Agr. Exp. Sta. Presented before Div. V-A, Soil Science Society of America, Davis, Calif. Aug. 17, 1955.

² Assistant Professors, Department of Forestry and Department of Agronomy, respectively, Mississippi State College. The authors acknowledge the assistance of W. J. Drapala with the statistical analysis.

Received for publication August 3, 1955.