![]() A combination method that leaves cover between rows and bare earth around seedlings is a more practical option. The bare earth option removes weed competition and will encourage air circulation but requires frequent herbicide treatment and exposes the soil to the elements. Unfortunately, ground cover will also compete with new seedlings for water and nutrients. Ground cover will hold moisture and cool roots during hot summer days. The sod method has the obvious advantage of pre-existing ground cover, which is preferred from soil and environmental perspectives because erosion will be limited, and soil organic matter will be greater. There are two standard planting styles, the sod method, and the bare earth method. In the plantation-style model, seedlings are usually planted in rows, with ground cover left between rows. Additionally, higher pH levels will make nutrient transport to the seedlings more efficient and thus, makes better use of fertilizer inputs. Balsam fir (and plenty of other common Christmas tree varieties) will grow in acidic soils, however, they will thrive at pH levels between 5.5 and 6.0. New sites in Nova Scotia will likely require lime to adjust the pH, especially if you intend to grow specialty species such as Fraser fir. Depending on the previous upkeep of the site, some preliminary inputs (such as lime or fertilizers) may be necessary before it will be conducive to seedlings. Ideally, the site should also be surveyed to ensure that the lot will be square, or at least have square blocks. ✓ Not be compacted (heavy traffic tends to compact soils which will prevent root penetration) In order to ensure the security of your investment, it is important to have a site assessment completed before planting a site.Ī typical site assessment will include, at a minimum, soil sampling, and testing, scouting for weeds, observing the site for environmental value, and identifying the existing plant species. ![]() ✓ Have low ground cover (existing forage mixture may be suitable) ![]() ideally near 6.0 at planting time some conifers can stand a more acidic pH, however, it is assumed that pH will decline over time) have good organic matter and available nutrients) ✓ Be relatively flat to slightly sloping (i.e. If you’re interested in converting agricultural land into a stand, there are some fundamental characteristics to look for in a potential site candidate. Increased control over tree-spacing and whole-lot flow.Opportunity to introduce new varieties and species.Reforestation of abandoned agricultural fields is one opportunity for NS growers that have been attempted with varying rates of success.Īlthough establishing new sites is often considered a last resort, setting up brand new lots does have its advantages, including: This model has offered an advantage over the competitor’s plantation-style (Figure 1) in the past but as seed trees become threatened by pest infestations and disease outbreaks, growers are turning to a mixed-model and are forced to plant new christmas tree seedlings in naturalized stands or, in some cases, even develop new sites. Nova Scotia’s Christmas Tree reputation is rooted in the natural regeneration of hearty fir trees in well-drained soils.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |