Effects of drainage intensity and planting position on the growth and nutrition of second rotation Sitka spruce on shallow peat.

  • R. Schaible Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
  • D.A. Dickson Food and Agricultural Chemistry Research Division, Department of Agriculture, Newforge Lane, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Keywords: Peat, peatlands, bogs, Sitka spruce, drainage, planting position, restocking, foliar nitrogen, silviculture, Picea sitchensis.

Abstract

Results are presented from a restocking experiment on shallow peat investigating the effects of intensity of drainage and planting position on growth and foliar nutrient levels of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.). The previous crop of Sitka spruce had been felled prematurely after 36 years. Growth was significantly enhanced by drainage at 10m and 5m intervals, compared to an undrained control treatment, and by planting on mounds of spoil compared with planting directly into uncultivated soil. Foliar nitrogen concentration was significantly lower in undrained plots 16 years after planting. The physical or nutritional condition of the peat does not appear to have been improved by the first rotation crop.
Published
1990-11-01
How to Cite
Schaible, R. and Dickson, D. (1990) “Effects of drainage intensity and planting position on the growth and nutrition of second rotation Sitka spruce on shallow peat. ”, Irish Forestry. Available at: https://journal.societyofirishforesters.ie/index.php/forestry/article/view/9677 (Accessed: 16April2024).
Issue
Vol. 47, No. 1, 1990
Section
Articles