Loblolly Pine Stand Fertilization at Mid-rotation to Increase Small and Large Sawtimber Volume

IPNI-2004-USA-GA26

27 Apr 2005

Winter 2004 Project Update


During the late fall-early winter of 2004, several mid-rotation pine stands on Chuck Leavell's pine plantation near Bullard, Georgia were scouted and evaluated as prospects for a forest fertilization research study. The site and loblolly pine stand(s) were selected, and soil samples and foliage samples were collected. Competing vegetation was controlled with selective herbicides and prescribed burning (controlled fire). Individual trees were measured for initial height and diameter at breast height (d.b.h.), and product class and leaf area index were estimated. On February 15 and 16, 2005, the treatment plots received a total of about 6,000 pounds of fertilizer, applied via 4-wheel ATVs equipped with spinner spreaders, in establishing the different fertilizer treatment comparisons. Timely rainfall followed shortly after fertilization for excellent incorporation to stimulate tree nutrient uptake. Periodic rains since have been ideal for optimum uptake of the nutrients by the trees. Leaf area index will be evaluated during peak summer expression, and tree height, diameter, and volume growth will be measured in the winter.