Co-Authors:
Atzmon, N., Institute of Field and Garden Crops, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, PO Box 6, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel
Henkin, Z., MIGAL, Galilee Technological Center, Kiryat Shmona 10200, Israel
Abstract:
The study evaluates the establishment performance of four tree species (Ficus carica, Fraxinus syriaca, Salix acmophylla, Platanus orientalis) 3 years after planting on the peatland in the Huleh Valley. To develop good tree establishment and avoid uprooting, two types of soils were tested as alternatives for the rhizosphere. For each tree 6 m 3 of soil (2 X 2 X 1.5 m) were replaced with river bed alluvium or terra-rossa, in which the tree was planted. Control trees were planted directly in the peat. Changing the rhizosphere soil type to river bed alluvium significantly improved the establishment and performance of Salix acmophylla and Fraxinus syriaca (survival, height, diameter and canopy shade area). Ficus carica was not affected by changing the soil in the rhizosphere, while Platanus orientalis was affected mainly in canopy shade area. Terra-rossa improved establishment only of Salix acmophylla; it did not affect the other species.