Impacts of Herbaceous Weeds in Young Loblolly Pine Plantations

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Abstract
The effects of herbaceous weed competition on loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) development during the first year of plantation growth were investigated on five sites across the South. Seedling height-growth response to weed control in relation to soil type, soil moisture, soil nutrients, and weed-infestation levels was examined. Seedling height response to weed control was significantly related to percent ground cover of weeds 7 weeks after herbicide applications and to weed biomass accumulation at the end of the growing season. Plant moisture measurements and analysis of precipitation occurrence indicated that weeds depleted the soil moisture necessary for maximum pine height development. Twelve-and four-fold increases in pine biomass due to weed control occurred on sites in Arkansas and Oklahoma, respectively. Results demonstrate the benefits of total weed control to loblolly pine seedlings during the first three years on two sites.

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