Soil physical factors affecting the growth of sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) in a silvopastoral system on a stony upland soil in north-east Scotland

Tree growth and soil physical properties were compared on two grazed plots planted with sycamore at 5 and 10 m square spacing on an upland Scottish site. Both plots received fertilizer and stocking density of ewes and lambs was adjusted to maintain a constant sward height.

Mean tree height in 1990 and height increment (1988–90) were significantly greater in the 5 m spaced plot (P<0.05). Although matric potential under the trees was generally greater than in the grassed rows between trees, mean penetration resistance (37–107 mm depth) was significantly greater (P<0.01) under the trees. Even when the soil was close to field capacity, less than 10% of penetrometer readings were < 1 MPa under the trees, in comparison to 44% in grassed areas between trees. This demonstrates that surface compaction due to preferential treading by sheep near the base of trees was sufficient to have seriously reduced tree root growth. Penetration resistance under the 5 m spaced trees was significantly less (P<0.05) than under the 10 m spaced trees. A technique for estimating the probability of root deflections by stones (in 35 mm depth intervals), Ps, from penetrometer readings was used. A significant relationship (P<0.1) was found between tree height increment and depth to Ps≥0.4 in the 10 m plot.