A large set of data from SustAffor field trials is being gathered. Hereby we present the main trends of tree growth and tree water status during the first vegetative period.
Soil conditioners and weeding showed a positive effect on tree growth and tree water status already during the first year of plantation.
The effect of the different treatments depended largely on the particular site conditions.
In conditions limited by low water input (Semiarid) and/or by thick textured soil, with poor water holding capacity (Semiarid and Montane), soil conditioning significantly enhances tree growth.
The innovative soil conditioner proved to be at least as effective as the commercially available version, seeming a very promising alternative.