The macroelement (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, and magnesium) contents in individual parts of 1-year-old seedlings (leaves, shoots, root system) of the common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) were investigated. The seedlings were grown in nine different densities of peat substrate (0.196–0.317 g cm−3) in 265 cm3 containers. It was found that substrate compaction influenced macroelement content in the seedlings. With an increase in substrate compaction, there was a decrease in macroelement content in the leaves (except for N). The macroelement contents derived from this study were compared to the optimal contents indicated in the literature. Studies have shown that the availability of Mg is of great importance for the growth of beech seedlings. The least-compacted substrate allowed for the best root growth in the seedlings, which translated into a higher Mg uptake, resulting in a better dry-mass shoot to root ratio. Our findings confirmed that the lowest compaction of a peat substrate (0.196 g cm−3 actual density) containing dolomite is the best for cultivating common beech under foliar fertilization in 265 cm3 containers.
The growth of seedlings depends on many factors: the availability of light, water, and minerals, as well as the type and physical properties of the substrate, including its density. The effect of different levels of compaction of the peat-perlite substrate on the growth of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seedlings in container nursery has not been investigated so far. In presented research, nine variants of peat-perlite substrate compaction (in three replications), with the actual bulk density ranging between 0.196 and 0.317 g·cm−3, were prepared in Hiko V265 nursery trays. European beech seeds were sown in the trays, and a seedling was grown in the production field. After the cultivation period, selected parameters were measured. The results reveal that substrate in a wide range of compaction (dry bulk density: 0.078–0.127 g·cm−3) had an impact on the height of seedlings, root dry matter, and the mean length of coarse roots and fine roots. The best shoot-to-root ratio and sturdiness quotient were observed in the seedlings growing on the substrate with the lowest compaction. Based on the results, compaction at the level of 0.196 g·cm−3 is recommended for the cultivation of European beech in Hiko V265 nursery trays.
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