Chemicals Used in Southern Forest Nurseries

Abstract

Abstract Large-scale tree planting programs have placed a tremendous pressure on nursery managers to supply unprecedented numbers of seedlings. Inclusion of chemicals into seed production regimes have made it possible for southern pine nurseries to be the most productive in the world, in terms of both output per nursery and average cost per seedling. Nursery managers in the South rely on the use of fertilizers, fumigants, and pesticides to help keep production costs low. Judicious use of fertilizers can reduce the production of cull seedlings as well as increase field growth after outplanting. It has been our experience that investing in the use of pesticides and inorganic fertilizers provides a high rate of return for the nursery manager. South. J. Appl. For. 20(3):127-135.