Why the first 90 days decide a plantation’s yield
The weeks after planting set the pace for the whole rotation. We look at what young trees need in their first 90 days, and how matching nutrient release to root growth cuts losses in the field.
The critical window
Before the roots take hold
A seedling leaves the nursery with a small root plug and a limited store of nutrients. Until its roots reach the surrounding soil, it depends almost entirely on what is placed within reach at planting.
In our trials, most of the difference in final volume between treatments was already visible at the 3-month measurement.
What we measured
Survival, height and root spread
Across twelve sites we measured survival, height and root spread at 30, 60 and 90 days after planting. Plots with nutrients in the root zone kept more trees alive and grew more evenly through the dry spells.
What it means for growers
Getting the first 90 days right is cheaper than replanting later. A planting-hole application, timed with the first rains, gives young trees a head start that carries through to harvest.
Next steps
We are extending the study to pine and acacia sites in 2027. Growers who want to take part can join through the Growth Optimization Program.
