Fertilizer Technology
It's only recently that a conifer forest seedling in a production phase is being outplanted with initial fertilization. Standard practice has been to allow the seedling to develop on its own. First scheduled fertilization is often not until several years into the cycle. Under this scheme, any nutritive help must be given at the nursery stage. Vet the need for accelerated growth is required. Why do growers of the majority of other crops have an initial nutrient program while the forestry industry doesn't? One answer involves the safety aspect of an early fertility program under the limited Pacific Northwest summer precipitation regimes. Too often salinity builds up and causes plant injury. Current fertilizer technology does offer useful alternatives that can both be safe and growth enhancing. In fact, perhaps a very long-term source can be used at the nursery stage that continues to release and provide nutrients well after outplanting.
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Author(s): Richard R. Benson
Publication: National Nursery Proceedings - 1998
Event:
Forest Nursery Association of British Columbia Meeting
1998 - Victoria, BC
Section: Combined Foresty Nursery Association of British Columbia/Western Forest and Conservation Nursery Association Meeting
