Research into the direct seeding of woody plants in high country revegetation

Authors: N.L. Ledgard
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1976, Issue N.Z.J.For. 21(2) 1976, pp 253-264, Aug 1976
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Revegetation of high country by direct seeding with woody species was investigated in the Craigieburn Range, using Pinus contorta, P. mugo, and Alnus viridis.
Cover was essential to protect seedlings from extreme climatic 'effects, particularly winter frost heave, and the most practical way of providing cover was with a sown sward of grasses and legumes.
Although survival of P. mugo on bare ground was assisted by the application of a! complete fertiliser mix, on sward-covered ground high rates of fertiliser increased interplant competition and depressed the survival of tree seedlings.
Tree seed pelleting with a variety of nutrients did not improve seedling survival or growth.
In pot trials mycorrhiza development in the roots of pines greatly increased seedling growth. Coating seeds with basidiospores of these fungi has not, so far, proved a practical means of field inoculation.
Spring sowings were more successful than autumn sowings except on sites covered with snow throughout the winter.

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