Aluminum Sulfate as a Stabilizer of Nursery Stock Development

Excessive release of available nitrogen and abnormal growth stimulation of two-year-old seedlings of red pine, Pinus resinosa Air, on biocide-treated soils were drastically reduced by application of raw, moderately acid peat and aluminum sulfate. Addition of peat was essential to increase the exchange capacity of the coarse sandy soil. Assuring retention of aluminum in the root zone. The treatment yielded stock of significantly diminished top-root ratio and augmented plantability. Soil analyses revealed that the impediment of the microbiotic activity was largely caused by the aluminum ions; the acidifying effect of the sulfate radical completely disappeared within a few months.