Container-grown longleaf seedling survival at four planting depths
January 22, 2021
| Container-grown longleaf pine seedling production has increased from approximately 30 million seedlings in 1996 to approximately 80 million in 2000. Previous planting experiences led the authors to believe that precise planting depth is critical for the successful establishment of both bareroot and container-grown longleaf pine seedlings. However, a literature review revealed no studies examining survivorship rates for seedlings planted at varied planting depths. To evaluate the effect of planting depth on seedling survival. a study was initiated using container grown longleaf seedlings planted the second week of December 1998. Seedlings were hand-planted with a “plug tool” in sandy loam soils on a previously scalped and subsoiled (ripped) site. Seedlings were planted with the plug at 4 depths from 2 centimeters beneath the soil surface, to I centimeter above the soil surface. Seedling survival was initially evaluated on 5/18/99. Seedling survival and growth were re-measured on 9/27/00. |