Lodgepole pine in the Republic of Ireland I. Site types, ground preparation and nutrition

Abstract

About 80 000 ha of lodgepole pine have been planted on organic soils and on podsolised mineral soils in the Republic of Ireland, mostly over the last 30 years. The popularity of the species centres around its high growth potential (yield class 14–18 m 3) on poor sites, many of which twenty years ago were considered unsuitable for afforestation. Most sites are ploughed and treated with about 350 kg/ha rock phosphate before planting. Bare-rooted seedlings are used almost exclusively. However, results from experiments using containerised plants are promising, particularly with regard to reducing the incidence of basal sweep, a problem with the south coastal provenance. Many foresters consider the species as a pioneer, the assumption being that it will be possible to grow more demanding species such as Sitka spruce for the second rotation on sites which have carried a first rotation of lodgepole pine. On poor soils these more demanding species, unlike lodgepole pine, normally require regular inputs of fertiliser nitrogen to sustain an acceptable growth pattern.