Development of various Scots pine provenances on burnt area in Potrzebowice forest district
The development of some Scots pine provenances, namely Bolewice (western Poland) and Tabórz (northern Poland), local provenance (seed microregion 352) as well as local hybrids (seed microregions 154, 158, 303, 251), growing on burnt area in Potrzebowice Forest District was investigated in 2004. The study was replicated in four blocks for each provenance and comprised the height increment measurements, evaluation of tree crown condition and chemical analyses of soils and pine needles. Chemical characteristics of soils (0–20 cm layer) as well as needle chemistry were found to be comparable over the entire study area, indicating a slight deficiency of N, K and Mg. The trees, irrespective of provenance, were characterized by a good current increment in the years 2002–2004, which ranged from 44 to 49 cm/yr. Climatic conditions were probably the main reason of distinct differences in tree growth observed between the particular years, and the significant correlations between the current growth and mean annual temperature, mean temperature during the growing season, as well as the total annual rainfall, seems to confirm this suggestion. In contrast, annual height increment of all provenances during the investigated period, although more intensive in the case of Bolewice and Tabórz, was not significantly different. Bolewice and Tabórz provenances were also distinguished by a higher, but insignificantly, mean number of needle sets (2,3) in comparison to local provenances (2,1). In addition, all provenances were characterized by a similar mean length of shoots and the number of needles on a shoot. Damages caused by insects, although visible on 22–40% needles, did not seem to constitute a serious threat to tree growth, as they were inconsiderable and comprised only a small area of needles.
The lack of differences between the Scots pine provenances concerning the height increment as well as condition of tree crown may be ascribed to the young age of trees, which were 11–12-year old in 2004. Therefore, to assess the silvicultural value of Scots pine provenances growing on burnt area in Potrzebowice District further, periodically repeated investigations are necessary.
In summary, the research results indicate that at present the trees of all investigated Scots pine provenance are in good condition. Taking into account the tree growth soil fertilization, in spite of deficiency of some macronutrients, do not seem to be necessary, but a constant monitoring of stands on burnt area with regard to appearance of noxious insects is required.
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