The Growth of Pine Seedlings in South African Forest Nurseries

SYNOPSIS Seedlings of P. patula (2 nurseries) P. elliottii, P. taeda and P. radiata (one nursery each) were grown in beds under the open-rooted system to obtain growth data to regress against time. Growth was measured by destructive at fortnightly intervals. Equations of the form 1nY = a + bx where Y is dry mass and x time, gave excellent data fit and allow growth parameters to be predicted. The equations also allow the R.G.R. of the seedlings to be evaluated. Nutrient data presented indicate that a high level of nutrition is essential for a high R.G.R. Separate equations for nurseries are recommended initially until further data becomes available.