Targeting hardwoods

Abstract

Increasing demand for hardwood seedlings has prompted research to identify target seedling characteristics that promote hardwood plantation establishment. Operational establishment of hardwood plantations has typically emphasized seed collection from non-improved genetic sources, bareroot nursery seedling production, and spring planting using machine planters. The increasing diversity in objectives of hardwood planting projects, however, has led to identification of a wider range of management options to meet specific goals. Use of container hardwood seedlings may help to reduce transplant stress on harsh sites and improve seedling competitiveness; container production of hardwoods may be most effective using subirrigation. Greater use of genetically improved sources will help to promote hardwood plantations with better stem form, faster growth, and less incidence of disease or insect problems. On nutrient poor sites, exponential nursery nutrient loading may promote translocation of nutrients from reserves to new growth and improve establishment success. Fall outplanting may result in equivalent performance to spring outplanting, thereby extending the outplanting season. With use of larger stocktypes and alternative soil preparation treatments, hand planting may become increasingly common.

Parent Publication

• National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations - 2010

Citation

Jacobs, Douglass F. 2011. Targeting hardwoods. In: Riley, L. E.; Haase, D. L.; Pinto, J. R., tech. coords. National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations - 2010. Proc. RMRS-P-65. Fort Collins, CO: USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 115-120.