Toward Sustainable Cultivation of Pinus occidentalis Swartz in Haiti: Effects of Alternative Growing Media and Containers on Seedling Growth and Foliar Chemistry

• DOI: 10.3390/f9070422
• Publication Date: 2018-07-16T08:05:33Z
• Authors: Kyrstan L. Hubbel; Amy L. Ross-Davis; Jeremiah R. Pinto; Owen T. Burney; Anthony S. Davis
• Keywords: Reforestation; Afforestation

Haiti has suffered great losses from deforestation, with little forest cover remaining today. Current reforestation efforts focus on seedling quantity rather than quality. This study examined limitations to the production of high-quality seedlings endemic Hispaniolan pine (Pinus occidentalis Swartz). Recognizing importance applying sustainable development principles restoration, effects growing media and container types growth were evaluated goal developing a propagation protocol produce using economically feasible nursery practices. With regard media, grew best in compost-based amended sand. Topsoil, widely used nurseries throughout Haiti, produced smallest overall. Despite low water holding capacity limited manganese, provided adequate levels essential mineral nutrients (particularly nitrogen), which allowed for sufficient nutrition. Seedling shoot root growth, as well ratio biomass biomass, greater polybags relative D40s. Results indicate that improvements existing practices can improve early rates P. seedlings.