Influence of nursery soil amendment on growth and survival of Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens var. horizontalis) seedling in an afforestation area

Influence of nursery soil amendment was studied on growth and survival of Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens var. horizontalis) seedling in an afforestation area. For this purpose, at first Cypress seedlings (1+1) were grown at four soil treatments including 1) nursery non-amended soil (control), 2) nursery non-amended soil and pure sand (1:1), 3) nursery non-amended soil, pure sand and organic matter (1:1:1), 4) nursery non-amended soil, pure sand and organic matter (1:1:2). Then, the seedlings were transplanted into an afforeststion area located in a semi-arid region (Marzan-Abad, north of Iran with elevation of 300 m a.s.l.) and planted in holes with suitable depth. The research was set up as randomized complete blocks design with four replications. The results of first year revealed that seedlings grown in "nursery non-amended soil, pure sand and organic matter (1:1:2)" had greatest total height and crown length; however survival, collar diameter and crown diameter were not affected by soil treatments. In the second year, no significant differences were detected in total height, survival and crown diameter of seedlings treated on different soils, but contrary to first year, the seedlings grown in "non-amended soil, pure sand and organic matter (1:1:2)" obtained the greatest collar diameter. Based on the results of this reseach, nursery non-amended soil, pure sand and organic matter (1:1:2) can be suggested as suitable treatment in order to advance the establishment and growth of Cypress seedlings in the research site and the similar areas.