Each of the following questions or considerations will help identify factors that may limit success or that can be altered for better success:

History-based assessments and considerations: Looking at current vegetation cover will help provide the basis for a weed control plan for the stand. Knowing the history of cultivation or land use can help identify factors that can significantly affect soil conditions and availability of moisture and nutrients that are critical for the growth of short-rotation forestry species. Intensive or long-term cultivation leads to soil structure decline and increases soil compaction, although short-rotation forestry species can grow on such lands. Knowing the history of herbicide use may indicate that several species may not grow productively on sites with a history of heavy herbicide applications.

Can I improve site quality? Site factors, such as soil compaction or soil nutrient deficiencies, can be improved during site preparation. Subsoiling or discing can improve soil compaction, and fertilizer application can provide nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium improvements to soil, although at a cost. For marginal soils, intensive weed control yields tree growth equal to or better than adding fertilizer. A free soil test can be obtained from the NC Department of Agriculture (NCDA) and soil pH should be checked prior to planting. The common NCDA soil test is predictive and addresses soil acidity and soil pH. The soil test will provide recommendations for raising soil pH (by adding lime), adding key macronutrients (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur) or adding key micronutrients (manganese, zinc, and copper). Soil pH extremes (<4.5 and >8.5) are problematic to trees because elements such as (aluminum, iron, manganese, calcium, and potassium are over-abundant and prevent adequate uptake of other key nutrients. Macronutrient fertilization of soils with low nutrient indices (0 to 25) will yield high crop growth response. Most trees are tolerant to pH levels between 5.0 and 8.0 and soil adjustments are not needed.

Which trees are best grown on my land? This question is answered by assessing site quality. Site quality is important when choosing which trees to grow. Different species respond differently to potentially limiting site factors. Choose species that are best adapted to your site’s characteristics. Most of the short-rotation forestry species in this handbook can grow in the mountain, piedmont, and coastal regions of North Carolina. Table 3 provides information about adaptability of specific short-rotation species to sub-optimal site conditions.

Figure 15. Examples of two sites in the North Carolina coastal plain. Marginal site with variable soils and low nutrition; expect slower growth and longer rotations than for better sites, and consider a soil test and nutrient amendments (left). Poorly drained site where bedding is necessary to promote survival and good growth (right).