Comparison of bare root and RPM seedling production technologies : implications for agroforestry
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'Root Production Method' (RPM) technology significantly increases the development of root systems in containerized seedlings. As an alternative to bare root seedlings, RPM seedlings have been promoted as a method to increase growth and survivability of hardwood trees. However, few scientific studies have been conducted that would support these claims. Three oak species (Quercus spp.) were the focus of this study. Seed was collected from a single mother tree of black oak (Quercus velutina, Lam.), white oak (Quercus alba Linn.), and swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor Willd.). Half of the seed from each mother tree was used to produce RPM, the other half bare root stock, (i.e. half siblings) which were planted in the fall (RPM) of 1996 or spring (bare root) of 1997 at the Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Center, New Franklin, MO. After 14 years in the field, bare root and RPM trees were harvested for each species and total above ground weight was recorded. Statistical analysis of the data was conducted using least-square means and a method of orthogonal contrasts to determine if significant differences existed between the biomass of bare root and RPM trees. Results showed that the RPM trees had up to twice as much above-ground biomass weight as the bare root trees of the same age. Implications of this study suggest that RPM trees could be used in agroforestry practices as a way of increasing carbon sequestration and biomass production. In addition, the significant increase in growth that was observed should serve to enhance interest in adopting agroforestry practices.