Controlling Herbaceous Competition in Pasture Planted with Loblolly Pine Seedlings

Three treatments designed to control herbaceous vegetation competing with loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings planted in grazed and ungrazed pasture were tested. Effects of the treatments on seedling survival and growth during the first 3 years after planting were determined. The treatments were directed application of herbicides (glyphosate in the first 2 years and hexazinone in the third year), rotary mowing, and mulching with pine straw around individual pine seedlings. After 3 years, the herbicide and mulching treatments increased the groundline diameter and total height of loblolly pine seedlings. Grazing apparently reduced pine survival and height growth. However, the observed treatment effects are not sufficient basis for a recommendation that a particular cultural practice be applied. Landowners who want to continue grazing cattle as pastures convert to pine will have to accept a reduction in pine survival and less seedling height growth.