Year One, Survival and Growth Analysis of Containerized and Bareroot Shortleaf Pine Seedlings Planted in the Central Piedmont of North Carolina

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study analyzed the survival and growth of containerized versus bareroot shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata, Mill.) seedlings in the Piedmont of NC after one year. The study was an attempt to answer four questions. 1. Which stock type has higher survival? 2. Which stock type has greater growth in ground line diameter? 3. Which stock type has greater growth in height? 4. Which stock type has greater growth in volume? A review of experiments utilizing containerized and bareroot stock revealed that containerized seedlings have higher survival and growth. This experiment agrees with the results in the literature because containerized stock generally survived better and had greater growth in ground line diameter, height, and volume compared to bareroot stock. Survival of bareroot stock was 91.87% while containerized was 97.21%. Relative growth in ground line diameter was 0.696 for containerized and 0.577 for bareroot. Corresponding p value of the t test that was run was 0.0002. Relative height growth was 1.377 for containerized and 0.597 for bareroot. Corresponding p value of the t test was less than 0.0001. Relative volume growth was 6.761 for containerized and 3.347 for bareroot. Corresponding p value for that t test was less than 0.0001. Containerized stock survived better and had greater growth in ground line diameter, height, and volume compared to bareroot. This is most likely due to the fact that the root systems of containerized seedlings are protected within the plug. Because of the root systems being housed in the plug, there is less planting shock.