Inoculation of Fumigated Nursery Soil Increases Nodulation and Yield of Bare-Root Red Alder (Alnus rubra Bong.)

1991

2 Tab., 15 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

12145

200102095

To determine if inoculation increases nodulation and yield of bare-root red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.), fumigated nursery plots were treated with inoculum and ammonium sulfate (28 kg N ha-1) in a factorial experiment. Inoculum was alder soil with 100 infective units of Frankia g-1. Seedlings were evaluated for nodulation at age 10 wk and when lifted, at age 9 mo. Inoculain produced earlier and more extensive nodulation and increased seedling root collar diameter, height, and dry weight. Fertilization decreased seedling height, but did not decrease nodulation. No interaction of fertilization with inoculation was found. Inoculated unfertilized plots had the highest yield of packable seedlings (257 m-2), and uninoculated fertilized seedlings had the lowest yield (126 m-2).