Irrigating and Fertilizing To Grow Better Nursery Seedlings

At the time of loblolly pine seed sowing, we recommend soil nutrient concentrations (in parts per million) of: 350-400 for Ca, 80-90 for K, 80 (Brayll) for P, 50 for Mg, 0.3-3 for Cu, 3-8 for Zn, and 0.5-1.2 for B. Soil pH should be 5.1-5.9. An initial N application of 10-15 kg/ha (11-17 lbs/acre)should be made when the elongating stems above the cotyledons are 2.5 to 3.5 cm (1 to 1-1/2 inches) long. A second equal N application is needed 10 to 14 days later. Three applications of 1530 kg/ha N should be made at intervals of 10 to 14 days. Seedlings from late sowings require more N than those sowed earlier. If rains are frequent, N applications should be skipped or reduced. By mid-July, seedlings heights should be 15-20 cm (6-8 inches), and N applications should be suspended. In late September, seedlings should be undercut and 22 kg/ha (20 lbs/acre) of N should be applied. Between germination and the first N application, water should be applied daily to avoid any moisture stress. After seedlings are established, beds should be watered when tension meters at 20 cm (8 inches) read 30 centibars. After mid-July, water when readings reach 50 centibars, or when there is danger of scorch on exceedingly hot days.

Download this file:

Download this file

Details

Author(s): Paul P. Kormanik, Shi-Jean Susana Sung, Taryn L. Kormanik

Publication: National Nursery Proceedings - 1993

Event: Northeastern and Intermountain Forest Nursery Associations
1993 - St. Louis, MO