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Home → Publications → Tree Planters' Notes → Tree Planters' Notes Volume 18, Number 4 (1967) → Clay Slurry Root Dip Impairs Survival of Loblolly Pine Seedlings in Mississippi

Clay Slurry Root Dip Impairs Survival of Loblolly Pine Seedlings in Mississippi

In this 2-year study in northern Mississippi, a kaolin clay root dip reduced survival of normally planted seedlings. The dip was helpful when seedlings were exposed to sun and air for 30 to 60 minutes before planting, but survival of all exposed seedlings was inferior to unexposed ones. Dipping pine planting stock in a clay slurry prior to packaging for shipment has been suggested as a means of improving survival (1, 2, 4). The treatment is aimed primarily at reducing root desiccation during planting, but benefits during dry weather after planting have also been suggested. Slocum and Maki (4) reported that in North Carolina a slurry dip significantly improved survival of loblolly pines whose roots were unexposed, as well as of those exposed to sun and air for as much as 2 hours. Ursic (5), however, found indications that dips might lessen the survival of loblolly seedlings in northern Mississippi, where the species is extensively planted for erosion control. The 2-year study reported here was accordingly established to further appraise dips as a means of improving the efficiency of pine establishment on sites in this area.


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Author(s): Hamlin L. Williston

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 18, Number 4 (1967)

Volume: 18

Number: 4