Effects of Seedling Size, Stock Type, and Mechanical Site Preparation Method on Initial Survival and Growth of Japanese Larch (Larix kaempferi) Seedlings

It is important to understand the characteristics of Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) seedlings that allow them grow vigorously after planting and quickly exceed height surrounding vegetation, resulting in lower weeding costs. Seven stock types, including bareroot container-grown seedlings, were planted two plots with different mechanical-site-preparation (MSP) methods evaluated for survival, height, root collar diameter (RCD) four consecutive years. Three-year-old which one year older larger than normal, had low survival rates mulcher MSP. Initial seedling significantly differed among seven while almost no significant differences observed growing seasons. Model analyses showed initial RCD a effect on until second season, age plot became increasingly third season. The difference type, versus during seasons planting. A decision tree analysis suggests sufficiently large young age, regardless can taller vegetation more quickly.