Effects of container volumes and fertilization on red (Pinus densiflora) and black pine (Pinus thunbergii) seedlings growth

Abstract

The growth, carbon and nitrogen responses of container grown 2–0 red (Pinus densiflora) and black pine (Pinus thunbergii) seedlings were examined at three types of container volume (250 cm3, 350 cm3, 500 cm3) with or without foliar fertilization. There were significant main and interaction effects of seedling growth on container volume and foliar fertilization. Root collar diameter, height, and dry mass of both pine seedlings decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with decreasing of container volume with fertilization, while no effect of container volumes without fertilization. Carbon and nitrogen concentrations of foliage were significantly different (P < 0.05) among container volumes, while other seedling components were not significantly different (P > 0.05) among the container volumes or between seedling types. The results indicate that growth characteristics and nitrogen status on container grown red and black pine seedlings were enhanced by increased container volumes with fertilization.