The effect of planting depth and seedbed type treatments on the growth and survival of oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) saplings

Current research aims at studying the effect of planting depth and seedbed type treatments on collar diameter, plant height, stem length to root, root and shoot dry weight ratio and percentage of seedling survival in Kushkan nursery, located in Zanjan city. Seeds were planted in plastic pots at three different sowing depth treatments including (0-3/99 cm), (4-6/99 cm) and (7-8 cm) and four seedbeds including (50% soil 50% manure) (50% soil 50% sand), (50% soil 50% zeolite) and (50% manure 50% (soil, sand and zeolite)) with six replicates in a completely randomized factorial design. ANOVA test results showed that the effects of planting depth and seedbed type treatments on all examined factors were significant at 5% level. As expected, the highest percentage of survival, collar diameter, plant height, stem length to root seedling was observed in seven to eight cm depth and also the highest percentage of survival and stem length to root was observed in seven to eight cm depth with (50% manure 50% (soil, sand and zeolite)) seedbed. It is therefore suggested that due to the interaction of these two treatments (seven to eight cm below the surface of the soil with 50% manure 50% (soil, sand and zeolite) seedbed), oak acorns are planted in pots in the nursery and when transferring to the field they are fully protected until the establishment of saplings.