Aircraft are the only means of application in rugged terrain and unthinned mid-rotation stands. Trucks, tractors and skidders can be used for at planting applications and in thinned stands where terrain permits. The goal of application should be an even coverage of the site with the prescribed fertilizer at the prescribed rate. In numerous pilot blind ground samples, the variations between actual rates and prescribed rates were so small that sampling was canceled to better utilize the labor force at hand. It is important to note that any fertilizer application should coincide with a weed control application designed to control weed species present on the site.
Most weeds are much more efficient at taking up and using fertilizers than are trees.
The entire purpose of forest fertilization is to increase growth above the current level exhibited by the stand. Breakeven volume is about additional 0.95 cords per acre per year. In some instances, the normal 1-2 cords per acre per year have been doubled and even tripled. Private landowners that initially scoffed at the idea of industry fertilizing pine trees are asking questions of applicators. Utilize the resources available at local Extension Service Centers.