Direct-Seeding of Loblolly Pine in the North Carolina Piedmont: Four-Year Results
Abstract Direct-seeding of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) in the Piedmont was evaluated using combinations of the following treatments: hand-casting and mechanical broadcast sowing; use of stratified and unstratified seed; and sowing during November, January, and March. Sowing stratified seedin November and unstratified seed in March resulted in the lowest stocking; however, regeneration was accomplished by all treatments. Costs including seed, but exclusive of site preparation costs, were $10/ac for hand-casting and $18/ac for mechanical sowing. Because capitalis the most limiting resource for accomplishing regeneration on nonindustrial private forestland, direct-seeding is a viable regeneration alternative. When adequate labor is available, direct-seeding is an effective alternative to machine use. South J. Appl. For. 13(2):91-93.