Transactions of the ASAE · 1982 · 33 citations · 0 references
Natural ResourcesPlant SciencesSoil SciencesPlant EcologySoil FertilitySoil ScienceForest GrowthGrowth MeasurementRoot EcologySeedling EstablishmentTree EstablishmentGreenhouse TrialsRoot Diameter AnalysisRoot Surface Area AnalysisSoil Bulk DensitySoil Matrix EffectsSurface AreaTree Growth MeasurementTree Seedling Production
ABSTRACT A controlled environment greenhouse study was con-ducted to observe root growth and initial seedling establishment of loblolly pine (Pinusa taeda L.) over a range of soil porosities within a uniform soil matrix. Loblolly pine trees were grown for 19 weeks in pots with soil at bulk densities of 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0 g/cc. Root and shoot masses, root system surface area, and root collar diameter increased significantly with decreas-ing soil bulk density. Significant differences in tree height appeared the seventh week after planting and con-tinued to increase until harvest at week nineteen.