Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02604134 2014-06-11
=
METHOD OF ACCELERATING THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF TREES
AND SHRUBS VIA ENHANCED ROOT DEVELOPMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to methods of accelerating the development of
trees and shrubs
via enhanced root development.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There is an ever-increasing demand for native hardwoods, but commercial
farming
of this class of trees is frustrated by the slow growth of this class of trees
and the difficulty in
transplanting them. Similarly, non-commercial reforestation with hardwoods is
frustrated by
the slow growth and transplantation difficulties. "Traditional" production
methods for native
hardwoods such as Oaks, Hickories, Ash, Nut trees and others are notoriously
slow growing
and tend to develop a coarse, carrot-like dominant tap root which makes them
very difficult
to transplant both in the nursery and especially in out-planting situations--
where mortality
rates often ran as high as 70 percent or more.
[0003] To try and overcome the problems associated with transplantability of
native
hardwoods and other difficult to transplant species, many nurseries began to
"root-prune"
their plants while in the field one to three years prior to sale in hopes of
developing a
"secondary" root system which would give this class of plants a better chance
of surviving
the out-planting process. The major problem associated with root-pruning in
the field is that it
not only "shocks" the plants because its root system has been severed but also
halts growth
and forces the grower to "wait" for another year or more for the root system
to re-develop.
Although the process of root pruning in the field greatly helped to minimize
loss after out-
planting, the process was slow, costly and extended the time a plant must
remain in the
nursery.
[0004] One prior art method of root pruning is disclosed in Huang and Liang,
Effects of Air-
Pruning on Cutting and Seeding Growth in Container Tree Propagation, SNA
Research
Conference 1987, page 134-134.
CA 02604134 2014-06-11
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] This inventions relates to a method of accelerating the growth and
development of
trees via an enhanced root system. Generally, the method of this invention
comprises:
Selecting seed of the species to be grown from trees from the same climate,
and preferably
the same growing conditions. Sorting the seed is based upon density, size,
and/or weight.
Placing the seed on the surface of a growing medium. Subjecting the seed to
cold
stratification in sufficient time to maximize the growing season (time of last
frost to time of
first frost) upon subsequent transfer outside. Transferring the cold-
stratified seed to a
greenhouse to being germination is about 30 days, subjecting the seedling to
air root pruning
at a depth of about 3 inches. Sorting the seedling according to height and
caliper, and
transplanting the seedling to bottomless bands/pots. Growing the seedling in
bottomless
bands while subjecting the seedling to a further air root pruning at a depth
of about 41/4
inches. Hardening of the seedling off, and transplanting the seedling for
further growth
outside as close to the beginning of the growing season as possible to
maximize the growing
season and growth potential.
[0006] The general method of this invention, without the specific details of
the invention
described and claimed herein, is disclosed in Lovelace, The Root Production
Method (RPM)
System for Producing Container Trees, The International Plant Propagators'
Society
Combined Proceedings, Vol. 48 (1998),
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0007] FIG. 1 is a photograph illustrating the grading of seed by density
using a Jesse
Aspirator.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a photograph illustrating the grading of seed by weight and
size using a
Savage Sizer and an Oliver Gravity Table for smaller seed.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a photograph showing graded seed of Quercus bicolor. Swamp
White Oak
F2 Orchard--large seed 76 per pound, medium seed 100 per pound and small seed
142 per
pound. Swamp White Oak F2 Orchard (Special Tree #6) 64 per pound.
2
CA 02604134 2008-12-23
[0010] FIG. 4 is a photograph illustrating the bottomless flats used for air
pruning in
accordance with the principles of this invention;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a photograph of seed of Quercus bicolor shown on the surface
of growing
media in preparation for cold stratification;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a photograph of seeds of other species shown on the surface
of growing
media in preparation for cold stratification;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a photograph of stacks of flats of seeds ready for cold
stratification;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a photograph showing stacks of flats of seeds in cold
stratification;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a photograph showing stacks of flats of seeds in cold
stratification;
[0016] FIG. 10 is photograph showing flats after stratification, placed in a
greenhouse on
bottomless benches for germination;
[0017] FIG. 11 is a photograph showing root radicals beginning to penetrate
the bottomless
flat;
[0018] FIG. 12 is close-up photograph showing root radicals beginning to
penetrate the
bottomless flat;
[0019] FIG. 13 is a photograph showing germinating seedlings of Quercus
bicolor;
[0020] FIG. 14 is a photograph showing germinating seedlings of Quercus
bicolor prior to
grading and transplantation for the second air root pruning step;
[0021] FIG. 15 is a photograph showing germinating seedlings of Quercus
bicolor during
the step of grading the seedlings by height and caliper resulting in taller
individuals with
larger caliper.
[0022] FIG. 16 is a photograph showing the seedlings transplanted into
bottomless bands in
3
CA 02604134 2008-12-23
T.
flats for the second air-pruning step;
[0023] FIG. 17 is a photograph showing the root system of Quercus bicolor
after 30 days, at
the time of transplantation for the second root pruning step;
[0024] FIG. 18 is a photograph showing the root radicals protruding through
the bottom of
the bottomless bands during the second air root pruning step;
[0025] FIG. 19 is a photograph showing container ready for transplantation of
the seedlings
after the second root pruning step;
[0026] FIG. 20 is a photograph illustrating the transplantation of seedlings
after the second
air root pruning step;
[0027] FIG. 21 is a photograph showing Quercus rubra (Northern Red Oak)
seedlings at a
height of about 7 feet, 210 days from germination;
[0028] FIG. 22 is a photograph showing the root system of the seedlings shown
in FIG. 21;
[0029] FIG. 23 is a photograph showing mycorrhizae on the roots of seedlings
grown in
accordance with the principles of this invention;
[0030] FIG. 24 is a photograph showing the development of a root system of an
oak tree
after four years;
[0031] FIG. 25 is a photograph showing the development of root system of an
oak tree after
four years:
[0032] FIG. 26 is a photograph showing the early fruiting (3 years) of Quercus
bicolor
grown in accordance with the principles of this invention:
[0033] FIG. 27 is a photograph showing the early fruiting (3 years) of Quercus
bicolor
grown in accordance with the principles of this invention;
4
CA 02604134 2008-12-23
_
[0034] FIG. 28 is a photograph showing the early fruiting (3 years) of Quercus
muehlenbergii grown in accordance with the principles of this invention;
[0035] FIG. 29 is a photograph showing a bottomless flat with 3/8 in. openings
for air
pruning used in Step 1;
[0036] FIG. 30 is a photograph of a bottomless pot measuring 3 9/16 in. x 3
9/16 in. x 4 1/4
in. deep used in Step 1;
[0037] FIG. 31 is a photograph of pecan seedlings new system of air pruning at
3 in. depth
on left showing better growth at time of selection and grading;
[0038] FIG. 32 is a photograph showing the difference between air root pruning
at 2 inches
(left) versus at 3 inches (right);
[0039] FIG. 33 is a photograph of Pecans seeded in an air pruning flat;
[0040] FIG. 34 is a photograph of European Ash root 160 days from planting
grown in
accordance with the principles of this invention;
[0041] FIG. 35 is a photograph of European Ash root 160 days from planting
grown with
conventional method;
[0042] FIG. 36 is a photograph of the root system of two or three year old
Pecan grown with
convention methods;
[0043] FIG. 37 is a photograph of two air pruned 75 day old Pecan grown in
accordance
with the principles of this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] The method of the present invention involves consideration of seed
selection,
including seed origin (provenance, density, and size). It further involves
consideration of seed
handling including stratification, timing of germination to extend growing
season, technique
CA 02604134 2008-12-23
4,
(depth) of seeding. It further involves air pruning, preferably in two steps
using air as a
means of root pruning to enhance the development of a dense fibrous root mass.
It further
involves gradation for uniformity of stock and to reduce transplanting losses.
Lastly, the
method involves selection of growing media, including fertilizer,
consideration of air space,
wetting agents, and components. The method of the present invention
accelerates rate of
growth, and induces early flowering and fruiting.
[0045] Seed selection is an important component in the acceleration of tree
growth. Special
attention is provided to assure seed is selected from superior individual
parents, showing
outstanding phenotype, typical of the particular specie or variety of tree.
Attention also must
be focused on the climate zone of origin, including attitude and locations
within its native
geographical range, normally referred to as "provenance". Within a given
provenance, seed is
selected based on environmental conditions of the final location. It is
desirable to select seed
from the same species growing in the same environmental conditions, e.g., a
flood plain or an
upland site. Seed is collected site specific. These different types of seed
are referred to as
ecotypes. Proper selection results in tree improvement, superior adaption to
planting sites all
of which add to economic and aesthetic value.
[0046] Seed handling is also an important component in the acceleration of
tree growth.
Collected seed are processed by cleaning out any foreign materials. They are
then processed
through an aspirator to separate out the heaviest individual seed. Density is
the most
important factor in germination capacity of any seed, and survival of the
seedling. Density is
a measure of the stored food reserve. After the heaviest seed are selected
they are then
processed through a sieve which grades them by size, e.g. three (3) or four
(4) different sizes.
Only the largest, heaviest seed are used. Since these factors (weight, size,
and density) are
genetic in nature these processes have definite effects on the genetic
improvement of the
progeny.
[0047] Seed stratification and timing are also important in the acceleration
of tree growth.
The length of time required for stratification is predetermined so germination
can start (For
example February 1st.) Thus the seed must be handled in such a manor that all
stratification
requirements are satisfied prior to February 1st. Thus, for example, a seed
requiring ninety
(90) days of cold stratification would have to be placed in our cold storage
November 1st, so
that it could be germinated by February 1st. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the
seed is
6
CA 02604134 2008-12-23
preferably pre-sown in the stratification media (which is preferably the same
as growing
medium, described below) and as shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the seeded trays
are stacked in a
cold storage room where temperature is maintained at 32 F. The seed are
placed on the
surface of the growing medium. When germination begins, the outer seed coat
splits exposing
the seed cotyledons. When exposed to light the cotyledons turn from their
normal pure white
to green, indicating they are photosynthesizing and producing additional
energy for the
germinating seedling. The inventors' research shows that most of the energy
produced by the
seed's cotyledons goes to the production of the plants root system, thus
adding to the primary
goal of producing and enhancing an improved root system. This is in contrast
to the
established conventional rule that the depth of seed planting should be twice
the diameter of
the seed. The 32 F temperature will prevent pre-germination of seed once its
ripening
requirements have been satisfied. This 32 F temperature is also in contrast
to the established
convention wisdom of temperatures between about 37 F to 41 F. Still another
difference
from conventional methods is placing the seeds in growing media. Historically
seeds have
been stratified separately and then seeded immediately prior to germinating.
[0048] The timing of the above steps in the method is based on having the
seedlings
processed through termination, Step I root pruning, grading, and Step II
transplanting, so they
are ready for planting outdoors by the frost free date (approximately May 10
in Missouri).
This gives the seedlings the maximum growing period until the first fall
frost, approximately
210 growing days. A time sequence might be: February Ist--start germination in
greenhouse
at a temperature of between 68 F and 72 F for about thirty days, as shown in
FIG. 10.
March 1st transplant to square deep bottomless containers for additional air
pruning of the
lateral roots produced in the seed flat pruning. Containers 2 3/4 x 2 3/4 x 3
inch have been
used satisfactorily for this step, but the inventors have determined that
containers 3 9/16 x 3
9/16 x 4 1/4 inch produce superior plants as shown in FIG. 30. At the end of
Step II, the
seedlings are between 12 inches and 18 inches in height and are ready to be
planted in their
final growing container outside in a nursery production area.
[0049] As described above, the seeding is done by placing seed on a bottomless
mesh seed
flat. While seed flats measuring 18 1/2 inches x 14 1/2 inches x 2 1/2 inches
deep with mesh
spacing of 3/8 inches have been used satisfactorily, as shown in FIG. 29, seed
flats measuring
15 3/4 inches x 15 3/4 inches x 5 inches deep with mesh spacing of 3/8 inches
(FIG. 4) have
been found to be optimum. A soil-less seeding medium and growing medium is
preferably
7
CA 02604134 2008-12-23
used. The seeding medium consists of 40% composted rice hulls, 40% pine bark,
20% sand,
which results in a desirable 35% air space has been used satisfactorily, but a
medium of 35%
composted rice hulls, 35% pine bark, 20% sand, and 10% manure, which results
in a
desirable 35% air space has been found to be optimum. A complete slow release
fertilizer
plus micro-nutrients and a wetting agent are added to the medium. The growing
medium is
also inoculated with mycorrhizae spores which germinate and grow on and inside
the tree
roots in a symbiotic relationship (see FIG. 23). Research has proven these
fungi play an
extremely important function on trees. They provide an immune system for the
trees,
blocking infectious diseases. They form such a dense mass they are able to
enhance the
capability of the root surface up to 1,000 times further enhancing the uptake
of moisture,
nutrients, and air resulting in a plant that can withstand greater stress
situations and still
perform and grow, displaying exceptional vigor.
[0050] There is a universal problem of proper nutrient uptake by woody plants
in artificial
(soil-less) growing media. Through analysis of the media compared to the
analysis of the
leaves from plants grown in media for Quercus bicolor--Swamp White Oak, the
inventors
have determined that the addition of 10% composted manure to the growing media
of
composted rice hulls, pine bark, and sand plus slow release fertilizer and
minor trace nutrient
improves the nutrient level in the plants, with most of the nutrients moving
from a low
interpretation in the soil medium to a desired level within the plant
resulting in maximum
plant growth and performance.
[0051] The addition of manure promotes the development of a balanced
biological
atmosphere within the growing media, promoting the growth of numerous
beneficial
organisms. These organisms help promote the development of desirable soil
fauna that break
down organic matter releasing essential bi-products (enzymes etc.) that
benefit the plant by
enabling uptake of nutrients that are present in the media here-to-fore but
not available in a
form the plant can absorb. This resulted in a reduced fertilizer rate of 50%,
resulting in
substantial cost savings. Also there is less impact on the environment because
of fewer
nutrients leaching and run off while still achieving maximum plant growth.
[0052] The inventors have also discovered that the incorporation of 3/4 of a
pound of
Talstar systemic insecticide in each cubic yard of growing media trans locates
throughout the
plants system, helps plants grown in the media to ward off attack by a number
of undesirable
8
CA 02604134 2008-12-23
insect pests including but not limited to Japanese beetle.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in the first air-pruning step, seeded
flats are placed on
raised greenhouse benches with air circulating beneath the benches. As
germination of the
seed begins to occur in the above-described bottomless flat, the following
sequence occurs.
The seedling radical (tap root) penetrates down through the media and emerges
through the
3/8 inch mesh, coming into contact with air circulating beneath the raised
bench (see FIG.
12). The root tip is killed (dried) by the air, at a depth of 3 inches.
Compare FIG. 37, showing
a conventionally grown pecan seedling, with FIG. 36 showing a pecan seedling
grown in
accordance with the principles of the present invention. The shallow air
pruning achieved
with the method of the present invention induces rapid lateral root
development high (where
most desired) on the tree root collar where their function to the welfare of
the tree will be best
served.
[0054] This root pruning preferably occurs at about 2 1/2 - 3 inches.
Extensive research
conducted by the inventors has established that the ideal depth for the first
air root pruning
(FIGS. 31 and 32) is about 3 inches.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 30, in the second air-pruning step, graded seedlings
are
transplanted into a bottomless band measuring 3 9/16 x 3 9/16 x 4 1/4 inches.
This size band
has been found to give improved growth and improves the root distribution in
the production
container. The Step II transplanted seedling bottomless bands are placed on
raised bottomless
benches to promote additional air pruning, which occurs on secondary lateral
roots further
enhancing the development of a shallow dense root mass with many root tips.
The first two
steps are timed so the bands are ready to be transplanted outside in the
container production
area during early May to avoid late frosts, but timed to take advantage of a
full growing
season. Timing is further important because if properly handled it can
coincide with the tree
setting a temporary terminal bud. When this occurs, photosynthate is trans
located from the
leaves down to the roots. This promotes very active root development, thus
quick
establishment in the container area resulting in accelerated growth.
[0056] The inventors' research also determined that the optimum size of the
container for
Step II is a bottomless tree band measuring 3 9/16 inches x 3 9/16 inches x 4
1/4 inches deep
(see FIG. 30) produces the ideal root mass to top (all of plant above soil)
ratio.
9
CA 02604134 2008-12-23
BOTTOMLESS BANDS TESTED
Band Size
11/4 x 11/4 x 3%
2Y2x 2Y2x 3%
23h x 2% x 5Y2
3 9/16 x 3 9/16 x 41/4
[0057] This shallow air pruning is unique to the method of this invention, and
enhances the
root system resulting in the production of a superior plant that can survive,
perform, and grow
faster under every condition tested. Prior root pruning methods typically
prune at least 5
inches or more. The shallower air pruning of the present invention induces
rapid lateral root
development high on the tree root collar, where most desirable, and where
their function to
the welfare of the tree will be best served.
[0058] The inventors have also tested various bench heights (i.e., the height
from the
greenhouse floor to the wire mesh supports) under a strictly controlled
greenhouse
environment, for both the first and second air root pruning steps. Heights of
12, 18, 24, 30,
and 36 inches were all carefully tested. While there was little differences in
the 30 and 36
inches bench heights, both were far superior in air flow and subsequent root
pruning to 12,
18, and 24 inches. As a result, the inventors have determined that balancing
effectiveness of
root pruning versus construction and installation costs, and ergonomic
considerations, a
height of 30 inches is optimum.
[0059] The seedlings are graded to identify the genetically superior
individuals. Experience
and research has proven that selecting the largest seedlings after their first
flush of growth
identifies those individuals that will remain dominant, grow faster, and
exhibit genetic
superiority when grown to a larger size and eventually out planted. When
grading, particular
attention is given to the combination of height, caliper, and root
development. On most
species of woody plants the top 50% are retained and transplanted and the
remaining plants
are discarded. This grading process has proven to be a significant step in
tree improvement.
[0060] The graded seedlings are then transplanted into a bottomless band
measuring 2 7/8" x
2 7/8" x 3 3/4" in depth. (This short band gives improved growth and improves
the root
distribution in the production container.) The transplanted seedlings in the
bottomless bands
CA 02604134 2008-12-23
are placed on raised bottomless benches to promote additional air pruning,
which occurs on
secondary lateral roots further enhancing the development of a shallow dense
root mass with
many root tips. The first two steps are timed so the plants are ready to be
transplanted outside
in the container production area immediately after the last frost date (early
May in Missouri)
to avoid late frosts, but timed to maximize the growing season. It is also
desirable to
coordinate transplantation outside with the tree's setting a temporary
terminal bud. When this
occurs, photosynthate is trans-located from the leaves down to the roots. This
promotes very
active root development, and thus quick establishment in the container
resulting in
accelerated growth.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 16, while in the greenhouse, the bands are preferably
containedin
bottomless flats each holding 25 tree bands. When preparing to transplant out
of doors plants
must be handled in a special manner to make the proper transition from a
controlled
greenhouse environment to a more stressful outdoor environment. The greenhouse
process
conditions the stomata (openings on the underside of the leaf) to lose their
elasticity and they
are unable to narrow or close and control transpiration (water loss) and the
cuticle, a waxy
layer that forms on the leaf surface and protects the leaves has not formed.
Both of these
conditions correct themselves in 48 hours when placed outdoors in full
sunlight. During this
period they are intermittently misted to relieve stress while becoming
acclimated. After
becoming acclimated they are moved to a container production area (see FIG.
20), and
transplanted into existing pre-filled containers (see FIG. 19). A shallow wide
growing
container is used, because most of the feeder roots remain in the upper six to
eight inches of
soil after out-planting. The growing container measures 10 inches across and 7
inches deep
(see FIG. 19). This allows 25% more lateral root development than a smaller
size previously
used. This production system results in growth to a marketable size in one
growing season of
approximately 210 days from date of seed germination (see FIG. 21).
[0062] As shown in FIG. 22, the root mass achieved with the methods of the
present
invention eliminates losses often experienced using conventionally grown
trees, especially
those recognized to be difficult to transplant, such as Oak, Hickories, Ash,
and Nut Trees.
Using the methods of this invention, the inventors have achieved consistent
survival rates
greater than 95%, even at very stressful sites such as wetlands, (where
flooding occurs), mine
reclamation sites, and construction sites.
11
CA 02604134 2014-06-11
[0063] The trees produced with the method of this invention grow an average of
three times
faster than conventionally grown seedlings. As show in FIGS. 24, 25, and 26,
even after 15
years, the trees grow at 3 times the rate of conventionally produced trees.
This accelerated
growth rate greatly increases the value and economics of tree farming. Using
the methods of
this invention, the rate of turnover in most tree production could be
increased by 50% or
more and make tree farming a profitable and viable growing enterprise.
[0064] Most varieties of trees grown under this production system have
exhibited early
flowering and fruiting characteristics. Examples are Swamp White Oak (Quercus
bicolor)
and Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa). It is generally accepted in the literature
that these species
begin flowering and fruiting at about 20 to 25 years of age. See, Schopmeyer,
Seeds of Wood
Plants in the United States, Agriculture Handbook No. 450, Forest Service,
U.S. Department
of Agriculture, Washington, D.C., Table 2 (19741.
However, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 trees of these species grown in
accordance with the
methods of the present invention have consistently produced fruit in the 3rd
year after out-
planting. The inventors believe that these plants have as many root tips
(where the hormones
are produced) as naturally grown 20 to 25 year old trees. This fast fruiting
is very valuable
from a regeneration and wildlife food standpoint. The inventors' research
indicates this same
response occurs in both nut trees and fruit trees, specifically pecans,
walnuts and apples.
[0065] Specific differences between the method of the present invention, and
prior methods
of tree production include: (1) the shallow depth of air pruning (about 2
1/2"); (2) seed
grading to select genetically superior seeds; (3) transplantation after the
first root pruning to
bottomless bands to further increase root mass, as shown in FIGS. 16, 17, and
28; (4) the
shallow depth of the bottomless band compared to conventional deeper
containers that
accommodated the tap roots 3 9/16 inches x 3 9/16 inches x 4 1/4 inches; (5)
the growing
medium (see FIG. 19) that combines the proper amounts of air, nutrients, and
beneficial
natural soil born organisms in balance with an enhanced root system that
properly utilizes
and assimilates them, the result is greatly accelerated growth rates that
persists for years; (6)
high transplantability and survival of trees produced with the method of this
invention, which
is nearly 100% survival when out-planted under virtually all conditions, and
greater than 95%
plus on stressed sites where conventional produced seedlings survived at rates
of 2% or less.
Sites tested include wetlands that are repeatedly flooded, strip mine
reclamation, and other
problem planting sites and conditions.
12
CA 02604134 2008-12-23
.µ
[0066] The inventors have propagated approximately 750,000 containerized oak
and nut
tree seedlings per year, many of which have been out-planted on abandoned mine
lands, old
wetland sites and fields in central and western Missouri. First-year
establishment success for
containerized seedlings is approximately twice the success of bare-root
seedlings in side-by-
side field trials. Greatest mortality resulted from excessive competing
vegetation and rodent
damage in winter. Tap-rooted hardwoods such as oak, hickory, and walnut
responded well to
air-pruning, which resulted from using bottomless containers. Seedlings were
propagated and
placed upon a raised, welded hog or cattle panel, with four-inch squares,
protected from
squirrels by a wood frame and chicken wire.
[0067] Qualitative observation of establishment success suggests a first-
season survival rate
of 90 percent for air-pruned bur oak and pecan grown in half-gallon bottomless
containers.
This compares to 40 to 50 percent survival of year old bare-root stock grown
at a local
nursery. These were side-by-side trials of seedlings planted in prepared rows
of prairie soils
in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) crop fields in western Missouri. Rows
were set at
15-foot centers, disked, and planted by hand. Containerized seedlings were
planted in fall,
and bare-root seedlings were planted in spring. Success rates were slightly
higher in very fine
sandy loam soils mapped as Bates loam, (2 to 5 percent slopes, fine-loamy,
siliceous, therrvic
(Typic Argiudolls) compared to silty clay soils mapped as Kenoma (2 to 5
percent slopes,
fine, montmorillinitic, thermic Vertic Argiudolls) (USDA 1995). Competition
became intense
in mid-summer as late-season weeds such as common and giant ragweed; cocklebur
and
begger ticks germinated from the old-field seedbank. The rows were mowed in
July to
prevent shading of the seedlings.
[0068] A second test plot was established on rough-graded, neutral mine spoils
(silty clay
texture with 15 percent shale channers, 5 percent sandstone pebbles and few
sandstone
cobbles) in western Missouri. Establishment success in the first season was
approximately 75
percent for containerized bur oak and pecan compared to 30 percent for bare-
root seedlings.
Compaction was minimal since all grading was performed by a D-3 dozer knocking
the tops
off the spoil-ridges, pushing the fill into the valleys between ridges. Wind-
disseminated
species, particularly broomsedge, slowly colonized the plots, competing with
the seedlings.
Adjacent mine spoils were heavily vegetated, enabling deer to browse the plot
undisturbed.
13
CA 02604134 2008-12-23
[0069] A third test plot was established in central Missouri on loess-derived
forest soils that
had been cleared in the 19th century, farmed and planted to tall fescue in
recent decades. In
places, much of the A horizon had been eroded and mixed by plowing into the E
horizon. The
soils were classified as eroded Winfield silt roam (fine-silty mixed mesic.
Typic Hapludalfs)
(USDA 1994). Fescue sod was removed with a heavy hoe around each seedling to
reduce
competition at the time of establishment. Spraying also is effective; but the
seedlings should
be dormant. First-year success rates for containerized bur and northern red
oak were 90
percent compared to 25 percent for bare-root.
[0070] The following table shows a hypothetical cost/benefit analysis of
plants grown in
accordance with the principles of the present invention versus conventional
bare root plants.
HYPOTHETICAL COST/BENEFIT, SURVIVAL AND ENHANCED GROWTH RATE
COMPARISION BETWEEN SEEDLINGS GROWN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
PRESENT INVENTION AND BARE ROOT SEEDLING OAK TREES
DESCRIPTION BARE ROOT 1 BARE ROOT 2 BARE ROOT INVENTION INVENTION
3 (UPLAND) (DOWNLAND)
SURVIVAL 85% 50% 30% 90% 90%
RATE
Cost per 1000 $500 $500 $500 $7500 $7500
planted
Survival per 850 500 300 900 900
1000 planted
Years of fruit 0 0 0 10 10
production
Pounds of fruit 0 0 0 36,000 36,000
production
Carbohydrate 0 0 0 14,398 14,398
value (based
on corn)
Average dhb 16 inches 16 inches 16 inches 20 inches 24 inches
Wood fiber 81 brd ft. 81 brd ft. 81 brd ft. 170 brd ft.
260 brd ft.
yield per tree
Total volume 68,850 40,500 24,300 153,000 234,000
of wood fiber
Value per 1000 $20,655 $12,150 $7,290 $45,900 $70,200
planted @
0.30/bd ft.
Value of early 0 0 0 $14,398
$14,398
fruiting
Total value $20,655 $12,150 $7,290 $60,298 $84,598
Cost $500 $500 $500 $7500 $7500
Gross Return $20,155 $11,650 $6,790 $52,798 $77,098
14
