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Mulching improves the growth and internal moisture status of loblolly pine and yellow-poplar in an intensively managed biomass plantation

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6042709
The effects of mulching, in conjunction with fertilization and induced mycorrhizal symbioses, on the growth and internal moisture status of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) were studied in a plantation managed for the enhanced production of woody biomass. Mulching with perforated black plastic during the third growing season resulted in an increase in soil water potential, measured tensiometrically, which subsequently resulted in an increase in the xylem pressure potential, as measured by the pressure chamber technique, and the growth of these species. Four applications of urea-N annually at the rate of 25 kg ha/sup -1/ application/sup -1/ during the second, third, and fourth year following planting resulted in a significant increase in the growth of both the loblolly pine and the yellow-poplar, but the loss of the integrity of the mycorrhizal treatments in this study negated an effort to assess the response of these species to induced mycorrhizal associations. 16 references, 2 tables.
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
6042709
Report Number(s):
CONF-8411158-1; ON: DE85008187
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English