Norway Spruce and Agroblen®
38
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Asa Research Station
38
Key Conclusions
Over the 2½ year trial, Norway Spruce trees fertilised with Agroblen outperformed those receiving the grower practice. The trees were 38% taller and grew faster, helping them out-compete weeds and reducing animal damage. 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
Crop
Forestry
Product
Agroblen®
Assessments
Plant height, and root collar diameter
Treatments
This trial, comparing Agroblen application with the standard grower practice, was set up in a randomised 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 randomised 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 fertilised 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 fertilised 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.
Agroblen increased Norway Spruce height by 38% compared to the growers practice.
Agroblen increased Norway Spruce root collar diameter by 43% compared to the growers practice.
Agroblen increased Norway Spruce tree height by 38% compared to the Grower Practice.