%0 Research article
%T Machine planting of Norway spruce by Bracke and Ecoplanter: an evaluation of soil preparation, planting method and seedling performance
%A Luoranen, Jaana
%A Rikala, Risto
%A Smolander, Heikki
%D 2011
%J Silva Fennica
%V 45
%N 3
%R doi:10.14214/sf.107
%U https://silvafennica.fi/article/107
%X We evaluated the effects of planting date and planting machine (Bracke:  three machines, 69 regeneration areas in three years; Ecoplanter: six  areas, two years) on the quality and field performance one and three  years after planting of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.)  seedlings in central Finland. Both machine types planted on average 1800  seedlings per hectare, and after three years approximately 1600  (Bracke) and 1200 (Ecoplanter) were still alive. This study suggests  that planting with a Bracke machine can achieve better regeneration  rates than those observed in privately-owned Finnish forests. We  characterized the quality of mounding and planting with the Bracke  machine as excellent and that of the Ecoplanter as good. The soil  preparation method of the Ecoplanter produced humus-rich mounds where  seedlings were susceptible to pine weevils and consequently suffered  higher mortality. Different machines were used in different regional  areas and each machine was operated by different driver/s which may have  influenced the results. No negative effects of planting date were  observed. Seedling growth decreased if they were tall in relation to  their root plug volume, grown too densely in the nursery, and if stored  in the field for several months prior to planting. We conclude that  mechanized planting is successful when the soil preparation method  produces mounds covered by purely mineral soil. Planting from May to the  end of September is suitable for seedlings intended for use during this  period.