Growth Of Ponderosa Pine Research Articles

Survival and Growth of Ponderosa Pine and Douglas-Fir Stocktypes on a Dry Low-Elevation Site in Southwest Oregon

Abstract Two stocktypes (1 + 0 container-grown plugs and 2 + 0 nursery grown bareroots) of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and of Douglas-Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) were planted on a hot, droughty, low-elevation site in southwest Oregon (Interior Valley Zone) to assess the potential for reforesting this type of site. After five growing seasons, bareroots survived (98%) significantly (P < 0.05) better than plugs (89%); survival did not differ significantly by species. Douglas-fir was taller than pine, pine was larger in diameter, and the two species had approximately equal stem volumes. Bareroots were consistently larger than plugs. These species and stocktypes can provide good reforestation after 5 years on an Interior Valley Zone site when seedlings are of good quality, are planted properly, and are given good weed control. West. J. Appl. For. 4(4):124-128, October 1989.

Twenty-four Years of Ponderosa Pine Growth in Relation to Canopy Leaf Area and Understory Competition

Abstract With data from a long-term experiment in which initial stocking of trees and understory vegetation were controlled, we tested the hypothesis that stand growth is directly correlated with the development of the forest canopy; e.g., growth is proportional to canopy leaf area. The hypothesis was generally supported. Stands of ponderosa pine without understory vegetation more rapidly developed canopy leaf area than stands with an understory. At very low leaf area indices, wood production per unit of leaf area was more efficient, particularly in stands where the understory vegetation had been removed. Once the leaf area index exceeded 2.0, however, the efficiency of wood production remained stable and was comparable for stands with and without understory vegetation. For. Sci. 33(2):538-547.

Growth of young Pinus ponderosa and Pinus contorta on compacted soil in central Washington

Growth in height, diameter, and volume was measured on 9- to 18-year-old ponderosa pine ( Pinus ponderosa) and 10- to 13-year-old lodgepole pine ( Pinus contorta) trees growing on or near compacted skid trails in the Yakima Indian Reservation in south-central Washington. Soil bulk density of the 0- to 30.5-cm deep layer was measured with a single-probe nuclear densimeter on two sides of each sample tree and in adjacent undisturbed soil. On three ponderos pine sites logged 23 years before the study, average bulk density on skid trails was 15% greater than on adjacent undisturbed soil. On a lodgepole pine site logged 14 years before the study, soil on skid trails averaged 28% greater bulk density than undisturbed soil. Total growth of ponderosa pine and the last 5 years of growth were significantly related ( P = 0.07) by regression analysis to age of trees, site index, basal area of the adjacent overstory, and the percentage of increase in soil bulk density. At the mean increase in soil bulk density, total height, diameter, and volume growth were reduced 5%, 8%, and 20%, respectively. Total growth of lodgepole pine and the last 5 years of height, diameter, and volume growth were significantly related to tree age and the percentage of soil organic matter. Increase in soil bulk density was not significantly related to growth of this species.

Effects of site preparation on ponderosa pine (Pinusponderosa), associated vegetation, and soil properties in south central Oregon

Eight years after installation, six site preparation treatments were compared for effects on soil chemical and physical properties, nonconiferous vegetation, and the survival and growth of planted ponderosa pine (Pinusponderosa Laws.). Treatments included a logged-only control, ripping, brush blading, disking, chemical spraying (herbicide), and chemical spraying followed by disking. The brush-blade and chemical–disk treatments showed the greatest reduction in nutrient levels (total N, S, and C, and extractable P) compared with the control within the lower zone of soil sampled (15–25 cm depth). The chemical-only and disk-only treatments resulted in smaller decreases in nutrient levels, while ripping appeared to have only minor effects on soil chemical properties. Similar trends were noted in the upper soil zone (0–10 cm), although the differences were not statistically significant. Brush blading and both disking operations increased soil bulk density in the upper soil zone, but not in the lower soil zone. Aboveground biomass of shrubs was highest on the control treatment, followed by the rip, disk, brush-blade, chemical, and chemical–disk treatments. Pine survival was 78% or better for all treatments except the rip and control. The chemical–disk and chemical treatments resulted in the best height growth, followed by the disk, brush-blade, rip, and control treatments. A strong negative correlation existed between the amount of brush and pine biomass after 8 years. This study illustrates the importance of weed control to achieve maximum survival and early growth of planted pines in south central Oregon.

Effect of Western Pine Shoot Borer (Lepidoptera: Olethreutidae) on Vertical Growth of Ponderosa Pine

Larvae of the western pine shoot borer, Eucosma sonomana Kearfott, mine in the pith of the terminal shoots, causing loss of vertical growth of ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex Laws. Shoots that are potentially more robust are more likely to be infested than are inherently weaker shoots. Accordingly, direct comparisons of infested versus uninfested shoot lengths will underestimate actual growth loss. Two indirect methods of estimating growth loss are explored. Loss equivalent to over 25% of vertical growth in 1 year is indicated for each terminal shoot infested by a larva that develops to maturity.

Effect of CuCO3 Container Wall Treatment and Mycorrhizae Fungi Inoculation of Growing Medium on Pine Seedling Growth and Root Development

Coating the inside surfaces of containers with cupric carbonate (CuCO3) stopped lateral root growth of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Laws.) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl.) at the container wall. Subsequent higher order laterals proliferated and were similarly arrested. The CuCO3 treatment was compatible with inoculation of the growing medium with the mycorrhizae fungi Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker and Couch and Suillus granulatus (L. ex. Fr.) O. Kuntze. Combined inhibitor—inoculum treatments resulted in pine seedlings that were bigger, had more lateral roots, and greater mycorrhizal infection rates than untreated seedlings.

Effects of simulated acid rain on germination and early growth of Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine

Germination percentage of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) was reduced by 30% by severe acid-rain treatment (pH 2.0), and seedlings that germinated at pH 2.0 soon died from fungal attack. Less acidic treatments did not affect germination. Two-year-old seedlings of Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) planted in native granitic soil and sprayed for 12 weeks with acid (2∶3, sulfuric: nitric) at pH 5.6, 4.0, 3.0 and 2.0, also showed little effects except at pH 2.0. There were no significant differences (atp<0.05) between acid treatments for length and for dry weight of needles that developed during acid treatment. However, at pH 2.0, needles exhibited white acid burns, brown tips, and seedlings became limp and wilted; symptoms worsened with duration of treatment. Both new and old needles eventually died at pH 2.0. Implications of this study are discussed.

Use of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccarialaccata in forestry. II. Effects of fertilizer forms and levels on ectomycorrhizal development and growth of container-grown Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine seedlings

Container-grown Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) and ponderosa pine (Pinusponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.) were inoculated with the ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccarialaccata (Scop, ex Fr.) Berk, and Br. and grown under three levels of soluble fertilizer (low, high, and a combination of low changed to high) and full and half strength of a slow-release fertilizer. Ectomycorrhiza development was excellent for both hosts regardless of fertilizer treatment; percent ectomycorrhizal short roots averaged 93.6 for Douglas-fir and 94.5 for ponderosa pine. Inoculation did not affect the size of Douglas-fir but significantly reduced growth of ponderosa pine under low fertility. L. laccata performed well under high-fertility regimes; production of outplantable nursery stock with well-developed ectomycorrhizae was obtained.

Container and root treatments affect growth and root form of planted ponderosa pine

Field performance and root form of container-grown Pinnsponderosa Laws. seedlings were studied after application of three treatments and compared with untreated bare-root seedlings. One-year-old seedlings grown in 1.9-ℓ milk carton containers were treated by (1) removing the bottom of the container, (2) removing the whole container, and (3) removing the whole container and cutting spiralled roots off at the bottom of the surface of the root ball. Survival was excellent for trees of all treatments. Bare-root seedlings grew most in height the first season, but after 5 years, the average height of container seedlings was greater than for bare-root trees. Seedlings with container removed and roots cut were tallest and had root systems that appeared sturdiest. Most of these had well developed taproots and good outward growth of laterals with little spiralling. Aborted or kinked taproots and spiralled laterals were often found where only the bottom of the container had been removed.

Two Year Effects of Thinning and Nutrient Treatments on the Growth of Ponderosa Pine

Two Year Effects of Thinning and Nutrient Treatments on the Growth of Ponderosa Pine

Ponderosa Pine Productivity in Relation to Soil and Landform in Western Montana

AbstractForest soil productivity for growth of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl.) in Montana west of the Continental Divide was studied. Data were obtained on 255 plots located in medium‐ to well‐stocked stands on 28 soil series and 9 landform types. Mean site indices for the soils studied ranged from 54 to 99 feet at 100 years.Effective depth of soil in which tree roots might develop was the principal factor influencing tree growth. Four depth factors limited development of roots: depth to gravel or loose sand, depth to a slowly permeable layer, depth to bedrock, and depth to lime. Areas receiving supplementary moisture from seepage or high water tables were good sites for tree growth regardless of the type of soil involved.

Growth of Ponderosa Pine by Keen Tree Class

Growth of Ponderosa Pine by Keen Tree Class