The effects of seedling density on morphological properties and nutritional status of Taurus cedar seedlings

The purpose of this study was to find out the effects of seedling density on some morphological characteristics and nutritient of 2+0 aged Taurus cedar (Cedrus libani) seedlings under nursery conditions. Seeds used in this study were collected from Isparta-Kap？da？. Some morphological characteristics and needles, stems and root nutrient contents of the seedlings sown in control ( ？ 1.5 cm) and 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 cm spacing in 1.2 m wide high seedbeds on 7 rows with 15 cm intervals were identified in Eski？ehir Forest Nursery. Randomized parcels experimental design was used in this study and data were assessed using correlation analysis and ANOVA with Duncan test. Seedling density had a significant effect on the seedling height (SH), root collar diameter (RCD), SH/RCD ratio, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, seedling fresh weight, shoot dry weight (SDw), root dry weight (RDw), seedling dry weight (SeDw), SDw/RDw ratio and root percentage (RDw/SeDw ratio). There were significant relationships among the seedling morphological characteristics. Significant differences (P<0.001) were found between spacing in terms of total N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn contents of the seedlings. Total nutrient contents of the seedlings increased depending on the decrase in seedling density. Significant differences were found between different spacing in terms of the nutrient uptake from the soil by seedlings and nutrients uptake from soil was decreased with decreasing seedling densities. All these findings suggest that 2.5 cm (232 seedling/m2) seedling densities in nursery will be suitable for dry-semi dry area afforestation, while 7.5 cm (77 seedling/m2) seedling density is better for semi humid and humid area afforestation