The Effect of Rooting Volume on the Early Growth of Lodgepole Pine Seedlings

Abstract

Lodgepole pine (Pinuscontorta Dougl. var. latifolia Engelm.) seedlings were germinated and grown for 20 weeks in containers with volumes ranging from 10 to 524 cm3 (0.6 to 32.0 in.3). Containers for four of seven volumes were constructed in three different ratios of height:diameter (1:1,3:1, and 6:1), with the remaining three volumes at 3:1. Rooting volume had a pronounced effect on dry weight and shoot length between 8 and 20 weeks. Rooting intensity was inversely correlated with shoot dry weight and a restricting intensity of about 0.45 mg/cm3 is suggested. Configuration of the container had no effect on dry weight or shoot length.