The influence of competition of agronomic mixtures on out planted lodgepole pine and white spruce was investigated on study plots at the Judy Creek Test Mine from 1979 to 1983. Two agronomic seed mixtures considered competitive and two seed mixtures considered less competitive were evaluated in terms of effects on survival and growth performance of the two tree species.
Data were collected on soil quality, seed mixture application rate. vegetation cover and biomass, and tree survival and growth. Results from five years of study indicate the following conclusions.
l. Chemical and physical properties of soil materials were s1m1lar among treatments with the exception of moisture content, which was much lower on two treatments.
2. Applying seed mixtures at 15 kg/ha or 30 kg/ha did not affect total living cover during the study period.
3. Total living cover and biomass data did not indicate increased cover corresponding to predetermined high cover seed mixes. low soil moisture likely limited seed mix cover and biomass.
4. Tree mortality of both species was not consistently related to competitive seed mixtures.
5. Lodgepole pine growth was independent of seed mixture and moisture regime. White spruce growth was related to moisture regime.
An Evaluation of the Influence of Grass/Legume Mixtures on Tree Species at the Judy Creek Test Mine
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