Use of magnesium in bareroot pine nurseries

Abstract

Pines with visible magnesium (Mg) deficiencies (i.e. yellow tips on needles) occur in bareroot nurseries throughout the world. The occurrence of “yellow-tips” is rare when soil pH is above 6.5 but they have occurred on sands (pH < 6.0) with less than 25 μg g-1 Mg. If yellow-tips occur in the summer, the foliar content of yellow tips is usually less than 1,000 μg g-1 Mg. Some nurseries do not produce “yellow-tip” seedlings when irrigation water contains sufficient Mg. Factors favoring a deficiency include low soil pH, high calcium in irrigation water, frequent fertilization with nitrogen and potassium and applying too much gypsum. Although various Mg fertilizers are available, many nursery managers apply dolomite or potassium-magnesium sulfate before sowing seeds and a few also apply magnesium sulfate in July or August. Soil tests are used to determine when to fertilize before sowing and foliage tests determine when to apply Mg to green seedlings. Nursery managers who follow S.A. Wilde’s forest-based soil recommendations may apply magnesium sulfate to green seedlings even when seedbeds contain adequate levels of Mg. When deficiency is minor, chlorosis on needle tips usually disappears before the fall equinox and, when applied at this time, Mg fertilizers have little or no effect on height growth. This paper reviews some of the past and current uses of Mg in bareroot nurseries and highlights a need for additional research.