Effects of Planting Hole Configuration and Soil Type on Transplant Establishment of Container-Grown Live Oak

Abstract

Container-grown Quercus virginiana seedlings were transplanted to monoliths containing sandy or clay soil and to a field site employing five planting hole configurations of equal volume. Shoot growth and xylem water potentials were measured for 125 days following transplanting to monoliths. Roots of seedlings in the monoliths were excavated to determine root regeneration into the backfill and soil outside of the planting hole. Seedlings transplanted to the field were observed for an additional year. No planting hole configuration was markedly superior, but the sloped cylindrical holes might be advantageous in droughty sites. Root growth out of the rootball was not impeded by the media - backfill interface nor the backfill - planting hole interface regardless of soil type or planting hole configuration. Greater root growth occurred in clay soil. Sloped cylindrical planting holes slightly increased the caliper growth of seedlings in both monoliths and the field. Planting hole configurations did not affect xylem water potentials. Transplant establishment appeared to be completed by the autumn (125 days) following transplanting.