Kalmia removal increases nutrient supply and growth of black spruce seedlings: an effect fertilizer cannot emulate

Published source details LeBel P., Thiffault N. & Bradley R.L. (2008) Kalmia removal increases nutrient supply and growth of black spruce seedlings: an effect fertilizer cannot emulate. Forest ecology and management, 256, 1780-1784.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Use fertilizer after tree planting Action Link
	Mechanically remove understory vegetation after tree planting Action Link

Use fertilizer after tree planting

A replicated, controlled study in 1999-2006 in boreal forest in Quebec, Canada (LeBel, Thiffault & Bradley 2008) found that fertilizing increased the height of planted black spruce Picea mariana seedlings. Seedling height was higher in fertilized (76 cm) than control plots (57 cm), while annual relative growth was similar between treatments (4.7-4.9%). Data were collected in 2005 and 2006 in six fertilized (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium mineral fertilizer at time of planting) and six control plots established within a 0.2 ha area. Each plot was planted with 10 black spruce seedlings at 1 m spacing in June 2000.
Mechanically remove understory vegetation after tree planting

A replicated, controlled study in 1999-2006 in boreal forest in Quebec, Canada (LeBel, Thiffault & Bradley 2008) found that removal of the shrub sheep laurel Kalmia angustifolia increased growth rate and height of planted black spruce Picea mariana seedlings. Seedling annual relative growth (removal: 10.3-11.1%; control: 4.7-4.9%) and height (removal: 147-167 cm; control: 57-76 cm) were higher in removal plots. Data were collected in 2005 and 2006 in six removal (sheep laurel removed in August 1999 using glyphosate herbicide and re-sprouting manually clipped from 2000 to 2006) and six plots with no removal within a 0.2 ha area. Each plot was planted with 20 black spruce seedlings at 1 m spacing in June 2000.