Using biologically-fixed nitrogen by native plants to enhance growth of hardwood saplings

Abstract

Available soil nitrogen is frequently low in old-field plantings. Underplanting forage legumes and interplanting nitrogen-fixing shrubs can improve growth of hardwood saplings, especially black walnut and pecan. Most of the nitrogen-fixing shrubs and forbs have been introduced, and several are now considered invasive species. Research trials have been established on old-field sites to evaluate the potential benefits of establishing native forbs, grasses, shrubs, and trees with seedlings of black walnut, pecan, chestnut, and five oak species.

Parent Publication

• Managing fine hardwoods after a half century of research: Proceedings of the Seventh Walnut Council Research Symposium

Citation

Van Sambeek, J.W.; Navarrete-Tindall, Nadia E. 2013. Using biologically-fixed nitrogen by native plants to enhance growth of hardwood saplings. In: Van Sambeek, J.W.; Jackson, Elizabeth A.; Coggeshall, Mark V.; Thomas, Andrew L.; Michler, Charles H. eds. 2013. Managing fine hardwoods after a half century of research: Proceedings of the Seventh Walnut Council Research Symposium; 2011 August 1-3; Madison, WI. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-115. Newtown Square, PA; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 78-81.