Fertilization and Competition Control Accelerate Early Southern Pine Growth on Flatwoods

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Abstract
Combinations of several levels of three factors (species, competition and nutrients) that influence southern pine growth were tested in three replications of a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial experiment containing 40-tree measurement plots plus buffer zones. A moisture gradient over replications, augmented by irrigation, permitted evaluation of a fourth factor (moisture regime). In addition, individual trees of selected families of slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm. var elliottii) permitted evaluation of a fifth factor (progeny). Of all factors investigated, nutrients and competition were by far the most important in limiting tree and stand growth on a some-what poorly drained flatwoods spodosol. Continuous elimination of either nutrient deficiencies or interspecific competition quintupled stand volume at age 4 years. The combined effect of both cultural practices was more than tenfold increase in stand volume. South J. Appl. For. 12(2):116-121.

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