Effects of fertilization doses and weed cover on the initial growth and mortality of a Nothofagus dombeyi plantation in the Valdivian Andes

Abstract

Nothofagus dombeyi is one of the fastest growing Chilean native tree species, has an ample distribution range and adapts well to a great variety of site conditions. In this study the objective was to evaluate the effect of fertilization and weeds in the initial development of a N. dombeyi plantation. The plantation was established at 620 m in the Andes of Valdivia, in a marginal site condition for many other native and exotic species, with 1-0 plants grown in containers in the city of Valdivia. A random block design with three replications per fertilizer treatment was used, which included four fertilizer doses (0, 55, 110 y 160 g plant-1) and three levels of weed cover (≤ 35%, > 35 y ≤ 70% y > 70%), and was evaluated through two-way Analyses of Variance. We concluded that plants had a better response with the intermediate fertilizer dosis, that weed cover did not significantly affect growth or mortality of the plants, and that there was a significant interaction of fertilizer doses and weed cover, since with low levels of weed cover there was a positive response of plants to increasing fertilizer, an effect that was not observed with high weed cover. Results suggest the usefulness of fertilizers and weed control at intermediate intensities.