Foliar Fertilization During Bud Initiation Improves Container-Grown Ponderosa Pine Seedling Viability

Our objective was to determine if avoiding nutrient stress during bud initiation of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa vat. ponderosa) grown in a container nursery would enhance seedling viability. Nitrogen stress was avoided by applying foliar fertilizer at rates between 324 and 972 ppm N to greenhouse-grown seedlings. Foliar fertilization maintained higher seedling nitrogen levels and increased root collar diameter by 45%. Height was slightly increased, cold-hardiness slightly reduced, and root growth potential unaffected by foliar fertilizer applications. Nursery managers can improve seedling viability by adding foliar fertilizer applications to their growing regimes. West. J. Appl. For. 11(4):114-119.