Growth of Betula pendula Roth. the first season after transplanting at two phenological stages

The root extension rate of Betula pendula, transplanted at two phenological stages, was studied in a Nordic climate. Landscape-size trees were transplanted from the field into root-study boxes (rhizotron) in early and late spring of 1999 and 2000. In early spring, 6 trees were transplanted when the leaves had just started to unfold; likewise, in late spring, six trees were transplanted when the leaves were fully unfolded and the shoot extension was in progress. Root growth was recorded during the first post-transplant season and the tree roots were finally excavated. Results indicate that the root extension rate of B. pendula follows seasonal soil temperature. The mean root extension rates at ten days intervals varied from 4 to 11 mm/day with a total average for the growing season of 7 mm/day in 1999 and varied from 4 to 9 mm/day with a total average for the growing season of 4 mm/day for 2000. The average length of new roots was 89 cm and there was no significant difference in length, dry weight or number of new roots between the two transplant times. It appears, therefore, that the phenological stage at transplanting during the period from bud break to fully developed leaves has minor effect on landscape establishment of B. pendula, when an adequate amount of water is provided.     

Post-transplant growth of five deciduous ordic tree species as affected by transplanting date and root pruning

Shoot growth and leaf surface area were recorded during three seasons subsequent to transplanting five deciduous street tree species in Norway: Acer platanoides L., Aesculus hippocastanum L., Prunus avium L., Sorbus aucuparia L. and Tilia x europaea L. ‘Pallida’. Trees were transplanted at four dates, early and late autumn (August 25^th and October 23^rd), and early and late spring (April 23^rd and May 5^th–19^th, depending on species), with two root ball diameters (3 and 5 times the stem circumference). Control trees were not transplanted. Shoot growth in all species, except S. aucuparia, was reduced by 38 to 86% of control trees and leaf surface area by 13 to 61% in the first season after transplanting. In A. platanoides and A. hippocastanum shoot growth was also reduced in the second season (71 and 81% respectively). All species except A. hippocastanum resumed pre-transplant growth in the third season. Early autumn transplanting was least favourable in all the species, resulting in delayed establishment as well as reduced shoot growth and leaf surface area. Early spring transplanting was found favorable for A. platanoides and P. avium, but unfavorable for S. aucuparia. The experiment confirmed that the larger root balls are preferred over smaller root balls.     

Variation in free water intake in lactating ewes

The aim of this study was to investigate individual free water intake (FWI) in lactating ewes, with two suckling lambs. Eighteen ewes were housed in single experimental pens from the time of lambing to two weeks after lambing. The ewes had free access to water from a drinking bowl and water meters were used to record the daily FWI. On average, the FWI for the ewes was 14.42?l/day. The variation between individuals was large (CV 27.6%) and varied between 8.16 and 21.88?l/day. It was also large variation within individuals (CV 19.2%). Hay DM intake were the factor that affected the FWI the most. Due to the large variation between and within ewes, FWI are not a stable individual characteristic. This study is useful for farmers to understand water supply needed for lactating ewes.