Performance of nutrient-loaded red oak and white oak seedlings on mine lands in southern Indiana

Abstract

Exponential nutrient loading was used to build nutrient reserves in northern red oak (Quercus rubra) and white oak (Q. alba) seedlings during standard bareroot nursery culture at the Vallonia State Nursery, Indiana. Nursery grown seedlings were outplanted the following year onto a mine reclamation site in southern Indiana to evaluate effects of prior nursery treatments on field performance. At the nursery stage, exponential nutrient loading improved plant dry mass production. Nutrient loading increased nitrogen uptake 40% in red oak and 35% in white oak when compared to controls. When outplanted, exponential nutrient loading enhanced shoot height and root collar diameter response in the studied species. White oak seedling survival was 92%, compared with 83% for red oak in year 1. Survival decreased to about 74% for white oak and 65% for red oak in year 2. Results suggest exponential nutrient loading has potential to promote seedling performance on harsh site conditions, and are significant for reclamation efforts in Indiana and across the US.

Parent Publication

• National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations-2007

Citation

Salifu, K. Francis; Jacobs, Douglass F.; Birge, Zonda K. D. 2008. Performance of nutrient-loaded red oak and white oak seedlings on mine lands in southern Indiana. In: Dumroese, R. K.; Riley, L. E., tech. coords. National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations-2007. Proc. RMRS-P-57. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 65-71