Pruning and fertilization in young Pinus greggii plantations established at Durango, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of pruning and fertilization on the growth of Pinus greggii plantationsestablished at Durango state, Mexico.Design/methodology/approach: In a plantation (Durango), pruning was applied in three intensities (0, 50,and 75%) in a randomized complete block design. Four years later, the basal diameter (Db), normal diameter(ND), total plant height (PH), and stem height (SH) were evaluated. In another plantation (La Soledad), twopruning levels (0 and 50%) and foliar fertilization (with and without application) were applied in a completelyrandomized factorial design. Seven months later, Db, PH, and crown diameter (CD) were assessed. Theanalysis of their variance and means comparison test (Tukey, 0.05) were performed.Results: In Durango, pruning diminished the Db and PH, but increased the SH (p0.01). In La Soledad,pruning also affected growth. The Db, PH, and CD were lower (p0.01) when trees were pruned. Fertilizationaffected the PH (p0.05) and CD (p0.01) as well. The PH and the CD for both pruned and unpruned treesincreased with fertilization.Limitations/implications: Pruning at 50 and 75% intensities are not suitable for P. greggii because it reducestheir growth.Findings/conclusions: Fertilization favors the growth of P. greggii planted on low fertility soils for both prunedand unpruned trees, but the pruning and fertilization interaction should be examined in detail for a longerperiod