Effect of dolomite lime and wood ash on peat substrate and development of tree seedlings.

Abstract

Effect of dolomite lime and wood ash (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 kg m) on the chemical composition of low humified peat was studied. Germination of Scots pine ( L.), Norway spruce ( (L.) H. Karst.) and silver birch ( Roth) and the subsequent growth of these seedlings were investigated in a greenhouse experiment. Nutrient concentrations in shoots and roots of pine seedlings were also analysed. The pH of peat increased asymptotically from 3.8 to about 7.0 with increasing lime regimen and to about 8.0 with increasing ash regimen. Wood ash linearly increased electrical conductivity and P, K, and Ca concentrations of peat. Rate of germination, within 7 days, of pine and spruce was best at low pH (<5) while birch seeds had a slightly higher pH optimum (4–6). Germination capacity, within 21 days, was not affected by pH or application regimen of either lime or ash. Pine and spruce seedlings grew best with lime and ash doses of 0.5–2.0 kg m, the pH of peat being 4–5. Lime and ash treatments did not affect the growth of birch seedlings, but wood ash increased nutrient concentration of pine seedlings.-3SphagnumPinus sylvestrisPicea abiesBetula pendula-3