PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Kenneth W. Farrish TI - Effects of soil loss on emergence and growth of loblolly pine DP - 1990 May 01 TA - Journal of Soil and Water Conservation PG - 415--417 VI - 45 IP - 3 4099 - http://www.jswconline.org/content/45/3/415.short 4100 - http://www.jswconline.org/content/45/3/415.full AB - Soil loss has been shown to reduce the productive capacity of soil for plant growth. However, little is documented about the impact of soil loss on the establishment and growth of trees. This study sought to determine the effect of soil loss on the emergence, early survival and growth of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings. Soil loss was simulated with soil removal treatments in this pot study. Emergence of seedlings was not clearly affected by soil removal, but seedling survival and early growth were reduced. These reductions appeared related to removals of available soil phosphorus and perhaps nitrogen with the near-surface soil layers. The results indicate that the top 5 cm (2 inches) of mineral soil are important to seedling survival and development. Loss of this layer from soil erosion or mechanical disturbance may have detrimental impacts on forest productivity.