Survival and growth of five species of Pinus seedlings after different approaches to competition control: “bridging” studies between Oregon and Mexico

Abstract

Two species of pine native to Oregon and three native to Mexico were reciprocally planted in southwest Oregon and northeastern Mexico. The Oregon study site has very dry, hot summers; the Mexican site has hot, dry springs, but has rainy summers. Total rainfall and native genera are similar on both sites. Site-preparation trials were carried out on north and south slopes at both locations. For all species on both sites, survival on south slopes was satisfactory only with site-preparation treatments that gave near-complete vegetation control. Overall survival was best on north slopes in Mexico, and herb control was not required. Woody cover decreased survival and growth at all locations and aspect combinations. Chemical control improved survival, but the standing dead shade did reduce growth slightly as compared to growth on the totally cleared sites. Clearing without chemical control gave poor results in Oregon, but permitted good seedling survival and growth at the location in northeastern Mexico. Overall, ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.) was the least sensitive species to environmental stress, and Hartweg pine (Pinus hartwegii Engelm.), the most sensitive. Mexican pines appeared to require more protection from water stress than did ponderosa pine.