Pruning and fertilization in young plantations of Pinus greggii Engelm. ex Parl. established in Durango, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate pruning and fertilization effects on growth of plantations of Pinus greggii established in Durango.

Design/methodology/approach: In a plantation (Durango), pruning was applied at three intensities (0, 50 and 75%), under a randomized complete block design. Four years later the basal diameter (Db), normal diameter (DN), plant height (PH) and stem height (SH) were evaluated. In another plantation (La Soledad), two levels of pruning (0 and 50%) and foliar fertilization (with and without application) were applied under a factorial experiment in completely randomized design. Seven months later, Db, PH, and crown diameter (CD) were recorded. An analysis of variance and a means comparison test (Tukey, ? = 0.05) were performed.

Results: In Durango, pruning diminished the Db and PH, but increased the SH (p ? 0.01). In La Soledad, pruning also affected the growth. The Db, PH, and CD were lowered when trees were pruned (p ? 0.01). Fertilization affected the PH (p ? 0.05) and the CD (p ? 0.01) as well. The PH and the CD for both pruned and unpruned trees were increased with fertilization.

Limitations/implications: Pruning at intensities of 50 and 75% are not suitable for P. greggii because reduce their growth.

Findings/conclusions: Fertilization favors the growth of P. greggii planted on low fertility soils for both pruned and unpruned trees, but the interaction between pruning and fertilization should be examined in detail for a longer period.