Improving tree growth on poor and medium sites through the use of legumes: Final report for the period September 1, 1980 to December 31, 1985
Sericea (Lespedeza cuneata L.) can be used to increase the productivity of many forest soils through nitrogen fixation and improvements in cycling of other nutrients. Sericea can be established with minimal site preparation, such as burning, and by sowing 10 pounds of seed per acre. Phosphorus is required on many sites for the maintenance of the sericea stand, but has no influence on the stand's initial establishment. Nitrogen fixation ranges up to 100 lbs/acre annually, and is related to biomass of the nitrogen-fixing plants. Foliar analyses of loblolly and sand pine indicate that the nitrogen fixed is available, but that tree growth response may not occur until three or four years after sericea establishment. Significant growth increases of 10 to 15% have been measured following the initial lag. Growth responses may not occur where other factors, such as a lack of moisture on deep sands, control tree growth more than does the lack of available nutrients. Dense stands of sericea may reduce survival of planted pine seedlings during their first year in the field. Survival of older trees is not affected by sericea competition.
- Research Organization:
- Forest Service, Asheville, NC (USA). Southeastern Forest Experiment Station
- DOE Contract Number:
- AI09-80SR10702
- OSTI ID:
- 6472249
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/SR/10702-6; ON: DE87012146
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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