Survival and Height Growth of Sycamore Following Different Site-Preparation Treatments

Abstract

Nursery-grown American sycamore (Plantanus occidentalis L.) seedlings were planted following four site-preparation treatments: solid harrow, harrow and bed, single bed, and double bed. Analysis of height and survival data collected six years after planting showed that site-preparation effects were masked by block-to-block variability. The data were reanalyzed excluding the block within which plot-to-plot variability was greatest. In the reanalysis the harrow and bed treatment was superior in its effect on sycamore height growth, but significantly more trees survived when single- or double bedding treatments were used. A soil profile analysis revealed that patches of low survival and poor tree growth were invariably associated with Mascotte soil, a spodosol, while the better growing trees were situated on Ocilla soil.