Abstract

Acer rubrum L. seedlings were grown in 38 1 (# 10) containers with 4 irrigation rates of 50%, 100%, 200%, 400% replacement of net evaporation and 3 media types of 100% pine bark; pine bark:sand (4:1 by vol); pine bark:sand (3:2 by vol). A spray stake irrigation system was used to irrigate. Height growth was not affected by irrigation rate. Caliper growth increased cubicly and linearly with increased irrigation rate during the first and second years, respectively. Media affected height and caliper growth the second year only. Height and caliper growth increased linearly with increased sand content. An increase in irrigation rate produced a larger root system, while an increase in sand content increased primary and secondary root growth.