Comparison of response of Scots pine seedlings to micro-irrigation and organic fertilization on a post-arable land at zoo-melioration treatment applied under rainfall-thermal conditions of Bydgoszcz and Stargard Szczeciński

Comparison of response of Scots pine seedlings to micro-irrigation and organic fertilization on a post-arable land at zoo-melioration treatment applied under rainfall-thermal conditions of Bydgoszcz and Stargard Szczeciński Comparison of response of Scots pine seedlings to micro-irrigation and organic fertilization on a post-arable land at zoo-melioration treatment applied under rainfall-thermal conditions of Bydgoszcz and Stargard Szczeciński. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of microirrigation (microjet sprinkling and drip irrigation) and organic fertilization (compost prepared on the base of sewage sludge) on the growth of Scot pine seedlings ( Pinus sylvestris L.), cultivated on a post-agricultural ground at zoo-melioration treatment applied, in two different regions. Field experiments were carried out in Kruszyn Krajeński (loose sandy soil of VI quality class) near Bydgoszcz and in Lipnik near Stargard Szczeciński (sandy soil of IVb quality class). Irrigation was used in three treatments: without irrigation (control), drip irrigation, microjet sprinkling. Fertilization was used in two variants: mineral fertilization (standard applied in forest nurseries), organic fertilization (compost). Weather conditions of vegetation periods were characterized using the following indices: air temperature ( t ), rainfall amount ( P ), Sielianinov's hydrothermic index ( K ), potential evapotranspiration according to Szarov's formula ( Etp ), rainfall deficiency ( N = Etp - E ), quotient Etp/P according to Drupka's proposal. Irrigation significantly increased the height and the diameter of Scot pine seedlings. There were no significant differences in the characters of the growth between the two irrigation systems. Fertilization of Scot pine seedlings with the compost increased significantly the height of seedlings. Interaction of irrigation with organic fertilization in shaping of Scot pine seedling height and diameter was noted. Pine seedlings grown on plots fertilized with compost under irrigation conditions were characterized by increased height and diameter. The better effects were obtained in Lipnik than in Kruszyn Krajeński. Joint effect of organic fertilization and microjet sprinkling positively influenced the density and the species number of Oribatida in Kruszyn Krajeński. Obtained results indicated that the amelioration measures used can positively influence on the growth of Scot pine seedlings on a post-agricultural ground.