The Effects of Water and Fertilizer on Loblolly and Slash Pine Seedlings

Abstract Slash pine and loblolly pine seedlings in a Bladen clay loam soil were treated with water at four levels, from 4 inches above the ground to 4 inches below, for 2 years. Superimposed on these water treatments were three fertilizer levels to determine if fertilization in the presence of adequate and excessive moisture may result in growth responses and if fertilization may aid seedlings to overcome deleterious effects of high water tables. Survival, height growth, needle length, foliage color, and foliar N, P, and K were influenced by both water and fertility levels. Draining these plastic soils of the Southeastern Tidewater area to depths of 4 inches below ground is recommended. Growth of both species during their first 2 years was increased appreciably by a spring application of 1000 pounds per acre of 8‐8‐8 plus 100 pounds per acre of a mixture of trace elements.