Effects of Soil Type and Compaction on the Growth of Ailanthus altissima Seedlings

Abstract

Ailanthus altissima (Tree-of-Heaven) seedlings were grown in compacted and non-compacted mason sand and sandy loam soil. Shoots and roots were measured to characterize seedling development and response to soil compaction. Dry weight increases were shifted to lateral roots when Ailanthus tap root growth was curtailed and relative growth rate slowed in response to changes in soil type and compaction. Although total plant dry weights were 50% lower in seedlings grown in compacted soils, increases in dry weights continued to the end of the experimental period.