Nutrition and Performance of Container-Grown Japanese Black Pine Seedlings

Growth of Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergi Parl.) seedlings in containers was enhanced by incorporating a slow-release fertilizer (Osmocote) and micronutrient source in the growth medium while dolomite was detrimental. Seedlings transplanted into the field showed excellent survival, regardless of propagation treatment, however, plants grown with Osmocote and micronutrients in the container medium were significantly larger after 1 growing season. Root-to-shoot ratio was not related to survival or growth. Container-grown seedlings were larger after 3 months than 2-year-old conventional bed-grown plants and continued to outgrow the bed-grown seedlings after one year in the field.