Converting former agricultural lands into forestry plantations is not without its challenges. Years of farm equipment and animal traffic can lead to soil compaction, creating a plow pan or hardpan. This condition hampers root system development and nutrition for new seedlings. Despite the best efforts of landowners to plant former crop fields, they often face disappointment in tree growth later due to the seedlings’ inability to thrive in their new environment. This is evidenced by symptoms such as thinning crowns and poor foliage color.
An equally important and easy task to complete before establishing forestry plantations on former agriculture sites is to perform a soil pH test. It is not uncommon for former agriculture sites to have a higher than desired soil pH for most forest trees. Former pasturelands are often limed, raising the soil pH to higher than desired levels for southern yellow pine. University county extension agencies provide directions on conducting soil testing and can analyze results with minimal costs. Always consult herbicide specialists before treating sites with chemicals before and after plantation establishment.
Jason Watson, Director U.S. Sales, discusses the Conversion of Agricultural Lands to Forestry Plantations and testing soil compaction.