The Problem of the Planting Ground and the effects of Ring-shaped Application of Compost on Growth in Unsuccessful Prunusjamasakura Plantation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to clarify the problem of the planting ground and the effect of ring-shaped application of compost on growth in unsuccessful Prunus jamasakura plantation. We investigated soil profiles and chemical characteristics, microbial activity, hardness, permeability of the soil, leaf SPAD value, vitality, relative height, relative diameter at breast height, and the relative crown width of trees. As a result we found that this study site was always in an infertile soil condition for the planting trees because of the removal of forest top soil. This study indicated that the ring-shaped application of compost could improve planting ground just as well as a mixed A and B layer of forest soil. It was shown that the measurement of leaf SPAD value during summer is effective to evaluate tree growth planting.