Growth of Red Pine Plantations in Relation to Fertility of Non-Phreatic Sandy Soils

Author： Wilde S. A. Iyer J. G. Tanzer CH. Trautmann W. L. Watterston K. G.

Publisher： Society of American Foresters

ISSN： 0015-749X

Source： Forest Science, Vol.10, Iss.4, 1964-12, pp. : 463-470

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Abstract

Reported are the results of a Wisconsin state-wide survey of 15- to 31-year-old plantations of red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.), established on non-phreatic sandy soils. Stands were subdivided into 3 classes based on the following ranges of annual height growth (in inches): from 7 to 13, 14 to 17, and 18 to 22. With average survival, these 3 classes, corresponding roughly to site indices 45, 57, and 65, were estimated to yield 12, 30 and 45 cords per acre, respectively, at age 40. Results of multiple and simple correlation analyses revealed strong correlation between annual height growth of plantations and soil texture, content of organic matter, pH value, and available phosphorus. The contents of available potassium, and exchangeable calcium and magnesium are significantly correlated with height growth in the simple correlations, but not in the multiple correlations, apparently because they are present in quantities above the response limit. The strong effect of phosphorus, revealed by regression analysis, is of special importance in reforestation. The effect of soil constituents on the average annual height growth (Y) is expressed by the following regression equation: Y = -10.7 + 2.5 organic matter + 3.5 pH + 0.16 P + 0.22 silt and clay content + 0.01 K. The minimum level of soil fertility for planting red pine was established on the basis of the average values determined in soils supporting plantations of the medium site quality. This level of fertility promises an average height growth of 16 inches per year with an expected yield of about 30 cords per acre at 40 years.