Because of the diversity of the data collected from study plots and the complex interrelationships between many of the site factors, it was not possible to develop useful multiple regression equations which could be used for choosing sites and predicting survival and growth of the Canaan Valley seed source of balsam fir. However, the correlation and regression analyses, plus observations and measurements from individual plots, provide good insights into the response of trees on a wide variety of sites. Based on that information, the author believes that the "Qualitative Planting Guide" presented in Table 6 should provide a basis for choosing sites and estimating performance of trees planted on a wide variety of sites. Many Christmas tree growers may need help to determine/evaluate some of the factors, such as depth to mottling and soil texture, which are included in the table. County soil surveys provide excellent, detailed information for "soil mapping units" down to approximately two acres in size but may not identify smaller inclusions having soil characteristics that could affect survival, growth and/or foliage quality of trees. Individual soil maps developed by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service or commercial soil scientists for growers' plantation areas can provide more detailed information about specific sites.
| Table 6. Guidelines for Choosing Sites for Planting of Trees of the Canaan Valley Seed Source of Balsam Fir. | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aspect1 | Slope Pos.2 | Total Soil Depth (in.) | Depth Soil Mottling (in.) | Soil Texture3 | Slope Shape4 | Planting Site Suitability5 |
| Upland Sites With Slopes Over 15% | ||||||
| SW | Upper | <20 | NA | All | All | N |
| >20 | NA | Crse | All | L-N | ||
| >20 | NA | Med-Fine | All | L | ||
| SW | Lower | <20 | NA | Crse | All | L-N |
| <20 | NA | Med-Fine | All | L | ||
| >20 | NA | Crse | All | L-S | ||
| >20 | NA | Med-Fine | All | S | ||
| NE | Upper | <20 | NA | Crse | All | L |
| <20 | NA | Med-Fine | All | L-S | ||
| >20 | NA | Crse | All | L-S | ||
| >20 | NA | Med-Fine | All | S | ||
| NE | Lower | <20 | NA | Crse | All | L-S |
| <20 | NA | Med-Fine | All | S | ||
| >20 | NA | All | All | S | ||
| Gently Sloping Areas (5 to 15%) | ||||||
| All | All | >20 | >20 | Crse | All | L-S |
| All | All | >20 | >20 | Med-Fine | All | S |
| All | All | >20 | 10-20 | Crse-Med | All | S |
| All | All | >20 | 10-20 | Fine | All | L-S |
| All | All | >20 | 5-10 | Crse-Med | All | L-S |
| All | All | >20 | 5-10 | Fine | Cnvx | S |
| All | All | >20 | 5-10 | Fine | Cncv | L |
| All | All | >20 | <5 | Crse | All | L-S |
| All | All | >20 | <5 | Med-Fine | Cnvx | L |
| All | All | >20 | <5 | Med-Fine | Cncv | N |
| "Flat" Bottomland Sites (Slopes <5%) | ||||||
| All | All | >20 | >20 | All | All | S |
| All | All | >20 | 10-20 | Crse-Med | All | L-S |
| All | All | >20 | 10-20 | Fine | Cnvx | L-S |
| All | All | >20 | 10-20 | Fine | Cncv | L |
| All | All | >20 | 5-10 | Crse-Med | All | L-S |
| All | All | >20 | 5-10 | Fine | Cnvx | L |
| All | All | >20 | 5-10 | Fine | Cncv | N |
| All | All | >20 | <5 | Crse | All | L |
| All | All | >20 | <5 | Med-Fine | Cnvx | L-N |
| All | All | >20 | <5 | Med-Fine | Cncv | N |
| 1 Aspect: Southwest = Clockwise from 135 to 315 degrees; Northeast = Clockwise from 315 to 135 degrees. Aspect effects are generally negligible on slopes less than 15%. 2 Slope position effect (upper or lower) is generally negligible on slopes less than 15%. 3 Soil Textural Classes: Coarse = Sand to Fine Sandy Loam; Medium = Very Fine Sandy Loam to Silty Clay Loam; Fine = Sandy Clay to Clay. 4 Slope Shape: Cnvx = Convex; Cncv = Concave. 5 Planting Site Suitability: S = Suitable: Growth and foliage quality should be good to excellent; L = Limited Suitability: Species will probably grow and produce marketable trees on sites but establishment problems may be greater and growth and foliage quality reduced; N = Not Suitable: Survival, growth, and/or foliage quality will probably be so impaired that species should not be planted. | ||||||