Establishment and early growth of dryland plantings of Arizona cypress in New Mexico, USA

Arid and semi-arid lands are becoming increasingly important for food and fiber production worldwide. Windbreak and shelterbelts can improve the productivity of such lands, but their establishment can be difficult and/or expensive. This study examined the survival and growth of Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica) propagated in four different container sizes, then outplanted at three planting sites in either fall 1994 or spring 1995. Trees were planted in plots prepared with three treatments (v-ditch and weed barrier, singly and in combination), along with an undisturbed control. Generally, more intensive site preparation and larger stock size was associated with greater survival. While some such stock size and treatment combinations showed high mortality at 28 days, subsequent mortality through six growing seasons was relatively low. Stock size and site preparation did not strongly impact height after six growing seasons.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]