LAUSR

- led alder is a convenient pioneer species that can be cultivated on harsh mountain sites where the climatic extremes need to be alleviated and a layer of surface humus renewed. The initial slow-release fertilization is, nonetheless, highly desirable. As contrasted to the control the surface and planting hole applications of amendment reduced the total seven-year mortality rate by 9.5% and 20.1%, respectively, and the periodic annual height increment (2003-2009) was promoted by 47% and 59%, respectively. Analogous results were obtained when the values of basal stem diameter and crown diameter were compared. As for the method of application, the placement of the slow-release amendment in the planting holes seems to be more efficient mainly in terms of survival promoting. The surface application is, nonetheless, less laborious and also yielded satisfactory results.