Abstract
Summary Three replicated trials were established on a silt loam soil in Canterbury, New Zealand to evaluate the effect of post-establishment fertilization of Acacia melanoxylon. The site was relatively poor in N, P, S and B levels and had a low soil pH as indicated by plant leaf analysis, soil analysis and published soil type data. The location has a substantial water deficit over the summer. The environment was found to be a relatively harsh one for blackwood growth with height increments averaging between 0.5 and 0.7 m per year. Superphosphate fertilization led to reduction in stem diameter increment of up to 30%. Height growth was relatively unaffected. Lime and boron had no consistent effect. It is suggested that superphosphate fertilization may have stimulated growth of surrounding vegetation leading to increased competition for other limiting resources, particularly water.
Published Version
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