Influence of Site Preparation on Soil Conditions Affecting Stand Establishment and Tree Growth

Slash disposal, and the type and amount of competing vegetation that occur on a forest site, are the primary considerations of site preparation prescriptions. Site preparation effectiveness, as measured by pine survival and growth, can be improved by recognizing and separating soil manipulation effects from those that result from competition control. The data relating site preparation induced changes in soil properties to plantation growth are limited, but indicate that many common treatments have little potential for improving soil conditions. Only disking, bedding, and subsoiling are likely to have large positive effects. South. J. Appl. For. 12(3):170-178.