Norway Spruce and Agroblen
43
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Asa Research Station, Sweden 2022
43
Key Conclusions
Over the 2½ year trial, Norway Spruce trees fertilized with Agroblen outperformed those receiving the grower practice. The trees were 38% taller and grew faster, helping them outcompete weeds and reducing animal damage from moose and deer. In addition, the root collar growth was higher, with the overall diameter up by 43%.
Objective
To evaluate the performance of Agroblen, as fully coated NPK, on establishment of Norway Spruce (Picea abies) over the 2½ years following planting.
Trial Details
Trial station
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Asa Research Station, Sweden
Crop
Spruce
Product
9-20-8+3MgO+0.1B
Assessments
Plant height, and root collar diameter
Treatments
This trial, comparing Agroblen application with the standard grower practice, was set up in a randomized block design with 3 repetitions. Agroblen 9-20-8+3MgO+0.1B | 8-9M was applied in the planting holes at the time of planting.
Treatment | Product | Dosage | Timing of application |
---|---|---|---|
Grower Practice | |||
Agroblen | Agroblen 9-20-8+3MgO+0.1B | 30 grams/plant | At planting, in planting holes |
Treatments
This trial, comparing Agroblen application with the standard grower practice, was set up in a randomized block design with 3 repetitions. Agroblen 9-20-8+3MgO+0.1B | 8-9M was applied in the planting holes at the time of planting.
Treatment | Product | Dosage | Timing of application |
---|---|---|---|
Grower Practice | |||
Agroblen | Agroblen 9-20-8+3MgO+0.1B | 30 grams/plant | At planting, in planting holes |
Results
- Increases plant height: Agroblen increased plant height by 24 cm (38%) compared to Grower Practice. The extra growth helped increase survival rate of the plants, avoiding severe damage caused by animals (moose and deer) or weeds.
- Increases root collar diameter: After the first growing season, seedlings fertilized with Agroblen had significantly larger root collar diameter compared to Grower Practice. This trend was observed in both the second and third growing seasons, increasing the overall root collar diameter by 43%.
- Stimulates root collar growth: Plants fertilized with Agroblen reached a 10mm root collar diameter up to 1 year faster than Grower Practice. Such an increase could potentially avoid one extra treatment against pine weevil.