SOWING METHODS AND MULCH AFFECT 1+0 NORTHERN RED OAK SEEDLING QUALITY

The effects of sowing depth, seedling density and mulches on northern red oak seedling survival and growth were evaluated in Wilson State Fo rest Nursery in southwest Wisconsin. USA. Sowing depths between 2.2 an d 6.3 cm, combined with sowing densities of 75 and 150 acorns . m(-2) made up five sowing method plots. Mulch treatments of ground corncobs aged 1 year, hardwood sawdust aged 2 years, and no mulch made up 3 sub plot treatments. Treatments resulted in a range of densities from 18 t o 148 seedlings . m(-2). Mulch delayed emergence and increased seedlin g survival. Increasing sowing depth also delayed emergence. Corncob mu lch increased root collar diameter; however, hardwood sawdust, aged fo r 2 years, decreased both root collar diameter and the number of perma nent first-order lateral roots. Increasing sowing depth decreased root dry mass but increased shoot dry mass. Increasing density from 18 to 148 seedlings . m(-2) decreased root dry mass in this study.