Mexican Conifers' Response to Fertilizer Type Indicates Difference Between Value and Cost
Mexican forest nurseries produce most seedlings in polyethylene bags containing forest soil. Fertilization practices often are imprecise and use an expensive, slow-release formulation. The objective of this study was to evaluate alternative fertilizer practices using two Mexican conifers: Pinus douglasiana Mart. and P. pseudostrobus Lind[. Seedlings were fertilized with Osmocote™; Peter's Conifer Grow™; and Picomodulus™, a slow-release formulation common to many nurseries in Mexico. The controls were seedlings that were not fertilized. Pinus pseudostrobus responded to all fertilizers equally. There was no difference in seedling diameter, dry weight or root to shoot ratio. Pinus douglasiana, a species with a seedling grass stage, responded best to Osmocote and Picomodulus. However, of the three fertilizer types, only fertilization during irrigation (that is, "fertigation") with Peter's Conifer Grow resulted in seedling nitrogen contents greater than 2%. Seedlings responded to nitrogen fertilization at least 300 days after seeding, indicating that nursery managers can compensate for inadequate fertilization by instituting a fertilization program at almost any time. With little difference in response, managers should use the most cost-effective fertilization method. Tree Planters' Notes 46(4):126-129; 1995.
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Author(s): John G. Mexal, Richard Phillips, Robert W. Neumann
Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 46, Number 4 (1995)
Section: Research Reports
Volume: 46
Number: 4
