Pine seedlings grown in sterile potting soil grow much slower than seedlings grown in soil from the area where the seeds were collected.This is most likely because

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Sterilization process kills not just harmful organisms but also the beneficial ones such as mycorrhizae which are known to improve nutrient and water uptake by the plant roots. Hence, the absence of mycorrhizae in sterile soil results in slower growth of seedlings.

Pine Seedlings Grown in Sterile Potting Soil Grow Much Slower