HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Cox, G. S. Articles by Matthew, L. M. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Cox, G. S. Articles by Matthew, L. M. Agricola Articles by Cox, G. S. Articles by Matthew, L. M.

Ponderosa Pine Productivity in Relation to Soil and Landform in Western Montana¹

ABSTRACT

Forest soil productivity for growth of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl.) in Montana west of the Continental Divide was studied. Data were obtained on 255 plots located in medium- to well-stocked stands on 28 soil series and 9 landform types. Mean site indices for the soils studied ranged from 54 to 99 feet at 100 years.

Effective depth of soil in which tree roots might develop was the principal factor influencing tree growth. Four depth factors limited development of roots: depth to gravel or loose sand, depth to a slowly permeable layer, depth to bedrock, and depth to lime. Areas receiving supplementary moisture from seepage or high water tables were good sites for tree growth regardless of the type of soil involved.

¹ Joint contribution from the Montana Forest and Conservation Exp. Sta., School of Forestry, Montana State University; Region 1, Forest Service, USDA; and Soil Conservation Service, USDA, Missoula. Presented before Div. V-A, Soil Science Society of America, Aug. 5, 1958, at Lafayette, Ind.

² Associate Professor of Forestry, Montana State University; Soil Scientist, Region 1, Forest Service, USDA; and Forest, Soil Conservation Service, USDA, respectively.

Received for publication August 17, 1959. Accepted for publication August 18, 1959.