Effect of ripping and nitrogen fertiliser on the growth and windfirmness of siash pine on a shallow soil on the Queensland coastal lowlands

Abstract

Summary A trial testing the effect of ripping and nitrogen fertiliser (in the presence of cultivation and phosphorus fertiliser) on the growth of slash pine (Pinus elliottii) was sited on a shallow soil on the coastal lowlands of Queensland. Ripping was shown to have no significant effect (additional to that of ploughing and mounding) on the survival, growth or windfirmness of slash pine on this soil type. Nitrogen fertiliser (in the presence of phosphorus) gave an early stimulus to height growth, but had no effect on survival, diameter or basal area. Contrary to other studies, nitrogen fertiliser increased the root/shoot (weight) ratio of slash pine with a consequent improvement in windfirmness. This increase in root/shoot (weight) ratios was confirmed by excavations of exotic pines at other locations on the Queensland coastal lowlands.