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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Physical and chemical problems with reclamation of conifers

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6529473
Saplings of ponderosa pine planted with a tree spade were set back because of compaction and smoothing of the sides of the hole. Seedlings grown as tubelings, bare root stock, or potted seedlings all have problems which hinder early development. Compaction from site preparation also creates a medium unsuited to tree seedling roots, even though larger trees would not be as adversely affected by compacted soil. Natural stands of ponderosa pine in eastern Montana grow either on deep sands, or rocky buttes. The rock layers retain water near the surface of the soil where the roots are concentrated. A process of distillation-condensation concentrates water beneath the rocks near roots, and encourages precipitation of calcium as unavailable calcium carbonate which improves the chemistry of the soil near the roots. Recommendations are included relative to the laying of spoils (top- and subsoil) and their chemical and physical conditions for trees.
Research Organization:
Montana Univ., Missoula (USA). School of Forestry
OSTI ID:
6529473
Report Number(s):
CONF-8306126-12; ON: TI85900077
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English