Propagation of Quercus Seedlings in Bottomless Containers with Osmocote    (View PDF)

Robert D. Hathaway and Carl E. Whitcomb

Abstract: Shumard oak seedlings (Quercus shumardii) were grown in bottomless, square containers placed on a wire bench. The dominant tap root grew downward and was 'air pruned', producing a fibrous root system. Three heights of containers were cut from quart milk carton stock giving three volumes of media with the same surface area and three different drainage columns. Five rates of Osmocote 18·6·12, based on the surface area of the containers, were applied af­ ter the seedlings had emerged. Growth increased significantly with the three highest levels of Osmocote. Seedlings grown in the smallest container were not significantly different from those in the larger containers. Five replications were planted in 2 gallon (7572 cm3) containers and grown for one year. Even though all seedlings were treated alike during this period, those which were propagated with higher fertility rates had an increased survival rate and faster growth suggesting that the nutritional state of liners, not necessarily age or size, strongly influences survival and future growth.

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https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.1977.055