Research
Comparing Natural and Artificial Methods for Establishing Pin Oaks
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Abstract
This article compares the survival rate and growth rate of Pin Oaks as underplanted
acorns, bareroot seedlings, and RPM seedlings outplanted in the Greentree Resevoirs
within the Mingo Basin in southeastern Missouri. All three seedling types were planted
in controlled areas that provided environments both with and without ground flora
control. The RPM trees of approximately the same age as the bareroot seedlings had a
greater basal diameter and height at time of planting. After one year RPM seedlings
maintained the highest survival rate of 87% without ground flora control and 77% with
flora control. Although the study did demonstrate that controlling ground flora did not
significantly affect seedling diameter, height or growth, RPM trees did maintain similar
survival rates in both environments.
Other Findings
- RPM seedlings and the other seedling types grew at the same rate with and
without an understory.
- Only one year of growth was recorded in this study.
This article compares the survival rate and growth rate of Pin Oaks as underplanted
acorns, bareroot seedlings, and RPM seedlings outplanted in the Greentree Resevoirs
within the Mingo Basin in southeastern Missouri. All three seedling types were planted
in controlled areas that provided environments both with and without ground flora
control. The RPM trees of approximately the same age as the bareroot seedlings had a
greater basal diameter and height at time of planting. After one year RPM seedlings
maintained the highest survival rate of 87% without ground flora control and 77% with
flora control. Although the study did demonstrate that controlling ground flora did not
significantly affect seedling diameter, height or growth, RPM trees did maintain similar
survival rates in both environments.
Other Findings
- RPM seedlings and the other seedling types grew at the same rate with and
without an understory.
- Only one year of growth was recorded in this study.
Est of Silvopastural Agroforestry System with Cattle and Root Production Method oak in Co. Wexford
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Abstract
EU agricultural policy is focusing on sustainable practices for the environment. The
government has developed a strategy to increase forested areas from the current 9% to
17% by 2035 and meet the aims of the Kyoto agreement. With this new sustainable
outlook, greater interest has been placed on agroforestry systems with combinations of
trees and livestock. This study investigates the potential of establishing a silvopastoral
agroforestry system with cattle, and both Root Production Method (RPM) oak seedlings
and bare-root seedlings. An alley design planting method was implemented in this
project as opposed to traditional silvopastoral square grid planting designs. The
experiment had five treatments and consisted of three blocks within a complete block
design. These treatments included; 1) Pasture Control; 2) Bare-root silvopasture; 3) RPM
silvopasture; 4) Bare-root forestry control; and 5) RPM forestry control. Results of this
experiment verify that RPM seedling growth was greater than that of the bare-root
seedlings.
- The height of the trees was measured in May 2002, with RPM stock significantly
taller than bare-root stock. RPM seedlings were recorded with an average height
of 48 cm (centimeters), whereas bare-root stock had a height of 41 cm.
- Height recorded in February 2003 (after the first growing season) establishes
RPM seedlings with a height growth of 10 cm (22%) and bare-root seedlings with
a negative growth rate of -2 cm (-5%).
- The negative growth recorded for the bare-root stock was the result of dieback.
- Stem diameter in February 2003 recorded RPM stock with a diameter of 8.4 mm
(millimeters) and bare-root stock with a stem diameter of 7.3 mm.
- Agroforestry RPM trees performed better than those in the conventional forestry
system.
- There was no significant difference between bare-root stock planting with
agroforestry and forestry treatments.
Establishment of a Silvopastoral Agroforestry System - 2
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no abstract available
Evalutation of Tree Production System in Northern Ireland 2nd Report Sept 2001
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Containerized Tree Growing – Raja Harun
Abstract
The planting of containerized RPM oaks recommends a minimum height of 76cm. Based
on measurements made in September 2001, oaks smaller that 76cm demonstrated equally
significant growth when outplanted. It was concluded that the height criteria of 76cm
excludes potentially viable seedlings. Additionally, seedlings of a greater stock size are
more successful when outplanted than seedlings directly outplanted before being
transplanted into bigger containers.
Tree Production Systems: Tree Evaluation, 25th September 2001 – Gerry Hoppe
Abstract
Data recorded in a comparison of the performance of RPM, cell grown and bare-root
trees concluded that while there was a survival rate of 100% for all three stock types,
bare-root seedlings had the poorest growth rate while RPM seedlings out performed both
cell grown and bare-root trees in tree height and stem diameter.
Other findings
- RPM trees were recorded to have a higher number of branches (possibly requiring
pruning).
- The Photosynthetic activity of RPM trees was significantly higher, with bare-root
stock a close second, and cell grown trees having the lowest photosynthetic
capacity.
- The RPM stock have increased biomass both above and below ground compared
with bare-root and cell grown trees.
- RPM trees demonstrated improved growth and vigor.
Abstract
The planting of containerized RPM oaks recommends a minimum height of 76cm. Based
on measurements made in September 2001, oaks smaller that 76cm demonstrated equally
significant growth when outplanted. It was concluded that the height criteria of 76cm
excludes potentially viable seedlings. Additionally, seedlings of a greater stock size are
more successful when outplanted than seedlings directly outplanted before being
transplanted into bigger containers.
Tree Production Systems: Tree Evaluation, 25th September 2001 – Gerry Hoppe
Abstract
Data recorded in a comparison of the performance of RPM, cell grown and bare-root
trees concluded that while there was a survival rate of 100% for all three stock types,
bare-root seedlings had the poorest growth rate while RPM seedlings out performed both
cell grown and bare-root trees in tree height and stem diameter.
Other findings
- RPM trees were recorded to have a higher number of branches (possibly requiring
pruning).
- The Photosynthetic activity of RPM trees was significantly higher, with bare-root
stock a close second, and cell grown trees having the lowest photosynthetic
capacity.
- The RPM stock have increased biomass both above and below ground compared
with bare-root and cell grown trees.
- RPM trees demonstrated improved growth and vigor.
Quality Harwood Seedlings Require Early Mycorrhizal Development in Nursery Beds
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no abstract available
Restoration of Hard Mast Species for Wildlife in Missouri
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no abstract available
Restoring Oaks in the Missouri River Floodplain
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Abstract
This study was conducted in two conservation areas; Smoky Waters and Plowboy Bend
in order to determine a way for a component of Pin Oaks and Swamp White Oaks on
agricultural bottomlands along the Lower Mississippi River. This study compared the
success of two RPM stock types, (seedlings in three and five gallon containers), to that of
1-0 bareroot seedlings in various conditions, including planting in soil mounds and
controlling competition with a Redtop Grass (Agrostis alba). The two RPM stock type
seedlings were planted in November 1999, and the bareroot seedlings were planted in
Spring 2000. RPM seedlings maintained a high survival rate for all stock types with little
to no mortality, whereas 5-7% of the bareroot seedlings died within the first year. It was
determined that soil mounding and the implementation of a cover crop did not increase
RPM seedling survival or growth rate in the first year after outplanting.
Other Findings
- RPM seedlings had a greater height and basal diameter than that of the bareroot
seedlings, which had negligible diameter growth and negative height growth due
to shoot dieback and resprouting.
- Both three gallon and five gallon RPM stock types maintained a similar field
performance regardless of species.
- A small group of Swamp White Oak seedlings produced viable acorns within the
first year – it has been demonstrated that larger Swamp White Oak seedlings had
a greater chance of early acorn production.
- At the time of this study it was too early to determine if stock type, species, soil
mounding or cover crops improved oak regeneration with increased competition
and flooding.
- Recommended methods of oak regeneration include the diversification of native
forests on abandoned crop fields, the incorporation of oaks and nut trees in
agroforestry operations and finally the continued use of oaks and other nut trees in
conservation and restoration projects.
This study was conducted in two conservation areas; Smoky Waters and Plowboy Bend
in order to determine a way for a component of Pin Oaks and Swamp White Oaks on
agricultural bottomlands along the Lower Mississippi River. This study compared the
success of two RPM stock types, (seedlings in three and five gallon containers), to that of
1-0 bareroot seedlings in various conditions, including planting in soil mounds and
controlling competition with a Redtop Grass (Agrostis alba). The two RPM stock type
seedlings were planted in November 1999, and the bareroot seedlings were planted in
Spring 2000. RPM seedlings maintained a high survival rate for all stock types with little
to no mortality, whereas 5-7% of the bareroot seedlings died within the first year. It was
determined that soil mounding and the implementation of a cover crop did not increase
RPM seedling survival or growth rate in the first year after outplanting.
Other Findings
- RPM seedlings had a greater height and basal diameter than that of the bareroot
seedlings, which had negligible diameter growth and negative height growth due
to shoot dieback and resprouting.
- Both three gallon and five gallon RPM stock types maintained a similar field
performance regardless of species.
- A small group of Swamp White Oak seedlings produced viable acorns within the
first year – it has been demonstrated that larger Swamp White Oak seedlings had
a greater chance of early acorn production.
- At the time of this study it was too early to determine if stock type, species, soil
mounding or cover crops improved oak regeneration with increased competition
and flooding.
- Recommended methods of oak regeneration include the diversification of native
forests on abandoned crop fields, the incorporation of oaks and nut trees in
agroforestry operations and finally the continued use of oaks and other nut trees in
conservation and restoration projects.
The Response of Oak, Ash, Lenga and Maidenhair to the Root Production Method
[ read abstract]
Abstract
A research project took place in Northern Ireland in 2000 to determine the impact of the
Root Production Method (RPM) on Oak, Ash, Lenga and Maidenhair, and its influence
on flowering, growth rate and stem form. Small, medium and large plant stock sizes of
each species were planted to determine the affect of size when implementing the RPM
method. It was determined that size and height do not influence the overall survival of
these plants, given that within three growing seasons the Oak, Ash and Lenga caught up
with the larger stock sized plants. While the Maidenhair had the lowest survival rate,
given its slow growth rate, it was concluded that it did not perform well in the field.
Other Findings
- Although RPM stock size of 75cm and larger is recommended for outplanting,
smaller RPM stock size plants will catch up within three growing seasons.
- Other factors did affect survival rates such as; site preparation, rate of competition,
time of planting, planting methods, soil fertility, root mass, local conditions, seed
selection, provenance, seed handling and other genetic features.
- Faster growth to maturity can improve chances of earlier flowering and seed/nut
production –Within 4 years of outplanting, both male and female flowers were
found on the Oak trees.
- RPM trees are more likely to become firmly established and flower sooner than
traditionally grown trees.
- The RPM method shows no constraints to commercial production
A research project took place in Northern Ireland in 2000 to determine the impact of the
Root Production Method (RPM) on Oak, Ash, Lenga and Maidenhair, and its influence
on flowering, growth rate and stem form. Small, medium and large plant stock sizes of
each species were planted to determine the affect of size when implementing the RPM
method. It was determined that size and height do not influence the overall survival of
these plants, given that within three growing seasons the Oak, Ash and Lenga caught up
with the larger stock sized plants. While the Maidenhair had the lowest survival rate,
given its slow growth rate, it was concluded that it did not perform well in the field.
Other Findings
- Although RPM stock size of 75cm and larger is recommended for outplanting,
smaller RPM stock size plants will catch up within three growing seasons.
- Other factors did affect survival rates such as; site preparation, rate of competition,
time of planting, planting methods, soil fertility, root mass, local conditions, seed
selection, provenance, seed handling and other genetic features.
- Faster growth to maturity can improve chances of earlier flowering and seed/nut
production –Within 4 years of outplanting, both male and female flowers were
found on the Oak trees.
- RPM trees are more likely to become firmly established and flower sooner than
traditionally grown trees.
- The RPM method shows no constraints to commercial production
Tree Establishment in Floodplain Agroforestry Practices
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Abstract
A study was performed to compare the performance of 1-0 bareroot seedlings and three
and five gallon RPM seedlings in floodplain cropfields, while simultaneously
experimenting with the effects of soil mounding and cover crops. Although rabbit
activity prevented the full recovery of data for this study, significant findings were
evident. Basal diameter of RPM seedlings was significantly greater three years after
outplanting than that of bareroot seedlings. RPM seedlings maintained a 94% survival
rate in the third year. Whereas the survival rate of bareroot Swamp White Oak seedlings
was 76%, and the Pin Oak seedlings was recorded at 54%. It was determined that
planting large RPM stock size seedlings in a redtop grass cover is the most promising
method of establishing hard mast trees in floodplain agroforests.
Other Findings
- There was no significant difference between 3 gallon and 5 gallon RPM stock
performance. Additionally, there was no significant difference between RPM
Swamp White Oak and Pin Oak performance.
- Successful tree establishment is crucial for many agroforestry practices such as
riparian buffer strips, windbreaks, alley cropping and silvopasture.
- Planting trees for such agroforestry practices in floodplains is particularly difficult
due to competition, animal herbivory of seedlings, flooding and saturated soils.
- Due to these difficulties, landowners prefer planting oaks (Quercus), black walnut
(Julgans nigra), pecans and hickories (Carya) to encourage natural regeneration
and vegetation management.
- Results indicate that soil mounding did not have a significant effect on the
seedlings.
- Planting with a redtop grass cover was successful in controlling other competing
vegetation, in addition to limiting wildlife browse.
A study was performed to compare the performance of 1-0 bareroot seedlings and three
and five gallon RPM seedlings in floodplain cropfields, while simultaneously
experimenting with the effects of soil mounding and cover crops. Although rabbit
activity prevented the full recovery of data for this study, significant findings were
evident. Basal diameter of RPM seedlings was significantly greater three years after
outplanting than that of bareroot seedlings. RPM seedlings maintained a 94% survival
rate in the third year. Whereas the survival rate of bareroot Swamp White Oak seedlings
was 76%, and the Pin Oak seedlings was recorded at 54%. It was determined that
planting large RPM stock size seedlings in a redtop grass cover is the most promising
method of establishing hard mast trees in floodplain agroforests.
Other Findings
- There was no significant difference between 3 gallon and 5 gallon RPM stock
performance. Additionally, there was no significant difference between RPM
Swamp White Oak and Pin Oak performance.
- Successful tree establishment is crucial for many agroforestry practices such as
riparian buffer strips, windbreaks, alley cropping and silvopasture.
- Planting trees for such agroforestry practices in floodplains is particularly difficult
due to competition, animal herbivory of seedlings, flooding and saturated soils.
- Due to these difficulties, landowners prefer planting oaks (Quercus), black walnut
(Julgans nigra), pecans and hickories (Carya) to encourage natural regeneration
and vegetation management.
- Results indicate that soil mounding did not have a significant effect on the
seedlings.
- Planting with a redtop grass cover was successful in controlling other competing
vegetation, in addition to limiting wildlife browse.
Wetland Reforestation, a Prescription for a Wetland Mast Tree Planting System
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Abstract
In order to accelerate plant growth there are five major components that must be present;
light (photosynthesis), air (oxygen is essential especially in wetland plantings), water,
temperature and nutrients. A detailed prescription for a successful wetland mast tree
planting system includes an appropriate planting site, species selection, a seed source
within a one-hundred mile radius of the intended planting site, suitable seed bed
preparation and a selection of mast species that have undergone the Root Production
Method (RPM) with a caliper 5/8-6 inches and a minimum height of 5 feet. Additionally,
a ground cover mat and slow release fertilizer can be used to aid the success of wetland
mast tree outplanting.
Other Findings:
- Swamp White Oak, Pin Oak, Pecan, Bur Oak, Persimmon, Hackberry and Green
Hawthorn are recommended for such wetland outplantings.
- Local seed source is crucial as this ensures that the seedling is adapted to the local
climate and environment.
- The use of a companion crop in between the trees and tree rows is helpful in
reducing competition.
- RPM seedlings must be planted with a 30’x30’ spacing (49 trees per acre) to
increase survival from deer browse, and flooding.
- The use of slow release fertilizer for three years after outplanting can increase tree
survival and enhance growth.
In order to accelerate plant growth there are five major components that must be present;
light (photosynthesis), air (oxygen is essential especially in wetland plantings), water,
temperature and nutrients. A detailed prescription for a successful wetland mast tree
planting system includes an appropriate planting site, species selection, a seed source
within a one-hundred mile radius of the intended planting site, suitable seed bed
preparation and a selection of mast species that have undergone the Root Production
Method (RPM) with a caliper 5/8-6 inches and a minimum height of 5 feet. Additionally,
a ground cover mat and slow release fertilizer can be used to aid the success of wetland
mast tree outplanting.
Other Findings:
- Swamp White Oak, Pin Oak, Pecan, Bur Oak, Persimmon, Hackberry and Green
Hawthorn are recommended for such wetland outplantings.
- Local seed source is crucial as this ensures that the seedling is adapted to the local
climate and environment.
- The use of a companion crop in between the trees and tree rows is helpful in
reducing competition.
- RPM seedlings must be planted with a 30’x30’ spacing (49 trees per acre) to
increase survival from deer browse, and flooding.
- The use of slow release fertilizer for three years after outplanting can increase tree
survival and enhance growth.
Windbreak/Shelterbelt - Odor Control
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Abstract
Windbreaks can reduce odors admitted by livestock production facilities. Trees can
be “put to work” to reduce the movement of odor off-site. There are six ways in
which windbreaks/shelterbelts can reduce livestock odor and improve visual
perceptions of production buildings; 1) Dilute and disperse gas concentrations of odor
by a mixing effect creating by windbreaks; 2) Deposition of odorous dusts and other
aerosols to the windward and leeward sides of windbreaks; 3) Collection and storage
within tree wood of the chemical constituents of odor pollution; 4) Physical
interception of dust and aerosols odor particles on leaves, needles and branches; 5)
Containment of odor by placing windbreaks fore and aft of the odor source; 6)
Aesthetic appearance, or an “environmental statement”.
Other findings
- RPM trees were found to be successful in quickly establishing windbreaks/shelter
belts for odor abatement.
- RPM trees were specified in planting plans for NRCS projects.
- Windbreaks can also reduce the seasonal cost of heating and cooling farm
buildings.
- Windbreaks can also reduce the spread of specific diseases of livestock by
blocking, intercepting or diverting wind-borne infectious organisms.
- Windbreaks can reduce damage to forage and crops causes by winds.
- Windbreaks can reduce soil erosion by wind
- Avoid planting trees that are poisonous
Windbreaks can reduce odors admitted by livestock production facilities. Trees can
be “put to work” to reduce the movement of odor off-site. There are six ways in
which windbreaks/shelterbelts can reduce livestock odor and improve visual
perceptions of production buildings; 1) Dilute and disperse gas concentrations of odor
by a mixing effect creating by windbreaks; 2) Deposition of odorous dusts and other
aerosols to the windward and leeward sides of windbreaks; 3) Collection and storage
within tree wood of the chemical constituents of odor pollution; 4) Physical
interception of dust and aerosols odor particles on leaves, needles and branches; 5)
Containment of odor by placing windbreaks fore and aft of the odor source; 6)
Aesthetic appearance, or an “environmental statement”.
Other findings
- RPM trees were found to be successful in quickly establishing windbreaks/shelter
belts for odor abatement.
- RPM trees were specified in planting plans for NRCS projects.
- Windbreaks can also reduce the seasonal cost of heating and cooling farm
buildings.
- Windbreaks can also reduce the spread of specific diseases of livestock by
blocking, intercepting or diverting wind-borne infectious organisms.
- Windbreaks can reduce damage to forage and crops causes by winds.
- Windbreaks can reduce soil erosion by wind
- Avoid planting trees that are poisonous
