Container seedlings outperform barefoot stock: Survival and growth after 10 years

Abstract

Application . Survival and growth of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl . ex Laws . var. ponderosa), Jeffrey pine (P. Jeffreyi Grev . & Balf .), and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb .] Franco) seedlings were almost always higher if grown in containers and planted as plugs than planted as bareroot stock . If costs were similar, forest managers could consider using container stock on sites similar to those in this California study .Abstract . Ponderosa pine, Jeffrey pine, and Douglas-fir seedlings were planted in container or bareroot form at three elevations in northern California . At the lowest elevation (762 m), container seedlings of ponderosa pine were significantly taller than bareroot seedlings at ages 4 and 10, and had breast-height diameters that were significantly larger than bareroot counterparts at age 10 . Survival of Douglas-fir container seedlings was significantly greater than that of barefoot seedlings for all ages tested . At the mid-elevation site (1220 m), container seedlings of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir were significantly larger in breastheight diameter than bareroot seedlings at age 10. Douglas-fir container seedlings survived significantly better at all ages than barefoot seedlings . At the highest elevation (1662 m), seedling height and diameter did not differ significantly, but survival of container seedlings was significantly higher than barefoot seedlings for both pine species at all ages tested .

Comparing large containerized and bareroot conifer stock on sites of contrasting vegetation composition in a non-herbicide scenario

“…Johansson et al 2007;McDonald 1991). General trends have been identified, notably regarding the positive relationship between seedling initial dimensions and growth (Newton et al 1993;Jobidon et al 2003).…”

“…in the presence of shallow-rooted herbaceous species versus deep-rooted woody plants (Balandier et al 2006). Based on 10 year results, McDonald (1991) concluded that containerized seedlings of Pinus ponderosa, P. jeffreyi Grev. & Balf.…”

Large Planting Stock Type and Mechanical Release Effects on the Establishment Success ofPicea glaucaPlantations in Quebec, Canada

“…Moreover, large seedlings can be produced either in containers or as bareroot stock. Field comparisons of containerized and bareroot seedlings are numerous (e.g., [19][20][21][22]). However, most studies have examined stock types of different initial dimensions (see [23]); few have investigated the relative performance of bareroot and containerized seedlings that are similar in size at the time of planting [24][25][26].…”

Performance and physiology of large containerized and bare-root spruce seedlings in relation to scarification and competition in Qu�bec (Canada)

“…can be planted on a variety of reforestation sites without experiencing lethal water stress. Planting bare-root or containerized spruce stock types could play a significant role in the success of plantation establishment [33]. These stock types generally differ in their water relations during the first few years after planting; bare-root seedlings generally experience greater planting stress than containerized seedlings [1,40].…”