Effect of time and depth of planting on survival and growth of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings in Texas

Loblolly pine seedlings were lifted from a nursery bed in two-week intervals (November 4-April 21) and were immediately planted in an open field. Each planting included seedlings planted at the root collar (A), one-half of shoot buried (B) and most of the shoot buried except for the one-inch terminal (C). Average mortality during the first year was 10%, 13% and 16% for the A, B and C planting depths, respectively; the corresponding values for the second year mortality were 2%, 3% and 5%. Average first year mortality by the planting periods ranged - 24% with the highest values for April plantings. Deep (C) planting produced most height growth during the first growing season and least during the second and third growing seasons.