Nursery-Derived Functional Trait Profiles Are Associated with Early Field Performance of Pinus devoniana Lindl. in Restoration Plantings

Early establishment is a critical filter in restoration plantings, especially when seedlings must face seasonal water limitation after outplanting. This study evaluated whether nursery-derived functional trait profiles are associated with early field performance of Pinus devoniana Lindl. seedlings in restoration plantings. Six profile codes were built from contrasting combinations of rooting space, nutrient supply, and water regime. Seedling traits were grouped into structural development, belowground investment, allocation quality, nutritional status, stress expression, and field establishment. Functional scores were calculated from standardized variables, and profile responses were examined through conservative comparisons, descriptive principal component analysis, and trait–performance associations. The large-rooting-space, fertilized, continuously irrigated profile (LFI) showed the most balanced pattern, combining positive structural development, high belowground investment, favorable allocation quality, low stress expression, and the highest survival. The large-rooting-space, fertilized, reduced-irrigation profile (LFR) reached the highest field establishment score, but this response was accompanied by stronger stress expression. The large-rooting-space, non-fertilized, reduced-irrigation profile (LNR) had the highest nutritional status, although this did not translate into superior establishment. Under the evaluated conditions, larger rooting space and coordinated belowground investment, allocation quality, and low stress expression were most consistently associated with better early field performance.