Behaviour of Pinus pinea plants in nursery and field: Trials of plant production, fertilisation and herbicides

Abstract

Results of three trials to improve the success in reforestation in agricultural lands with Pinus pinea plants are shown: plant technic production in nursery and field, mineral fertilisation and herbicide trials. The trial of plant quality (class and size of pot, fertilise rates and density of plant production) did not affect the survival of seedlings in nursery, but did in growth ones. In the biggest pots and with the biggest fertilise rates were obtain more growth of the plants (shoot and root height growth and dry matter weight). The results of the lost plant percentage in field are independent of the quality plant used, but bigger growth and better development are maintained in better quality plants before reforestation. In the trial of mineral fertilisation in field did not find significatives differences in the lost plants number for the two next years. The best results in height growth was obtain with Agroblen fertilise, and in second place with Agriform one. In the trial of herbicide used in reforestation did not find significatives differences in the lost plant number for the different kind and rates of herbicides. The herbaceous vegetation was controlled better by Hexacinona herbicide, even with the smaller rates (250 g/ha). The best height growth was obtained in the plant where was applied Velpar herbicide with rate from 500 to 350 g/ha.