Comparison of site preparation methods and herbaceous releases for longleaf pine establishment in an old pecan orchard
January 22, 2021
| Approximately 100,000 acres of agricultural lands across the SE U.S. will be planted to longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) during the 1999-2000 planting season. Many additional acres will be planted over the next few years through the CRP. Successful establishment of southern pines on agricultural lands has proven difficult, and successful longleaf pine establishment can be especially challenging. The most difficult sites to successfully plant are agricultural lands with significant components of grass species. This study compares 3 site preparation methods: subsoiling only, scalping & subsoiling, and chemical site preparation with a tankmix of Roundup Ultra (glyphosate) and Arsenal (imazpyr) plus subsoiling on an old pecan orchard. Grass and broadleaf weed species present included: Cynodon dactylon, Paspalum notatum, and Digitaria spp. This study also examines the effects of II different herbaceous releases on longleaf pine following the aforementioned site preparations. Scalping was found to be particularly effective in successfully establishing longleaf pine seedlings. Some herbaceous releases appeared very promising, especially those containing Oust (Sulfometuron) either as a stand-alone treatment, or as a tank-mix with Velpar (Hexazinone) or Arsenal (Imazapyr). Correct timing of the herbaceous release is an important factor when minimizing damage to longleaf pine seedlings and controlling herbaceous competition. |