RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Effects of soil loss on emergence and growth of loblolly pine JF Journal of Soil and Water Conservation FD Soil and Water Conservation Society SP 415 OP 417 VO 45 IS 3 A1 Kenneth W. Farrish YR 1990 UL http://www.jswconline.org/content/45/3/415.abstract 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.