Abstract
Grand fir (Abies grandis (Douglas ex D. Don) Lindley) is widely distributed in the moist forests of the Inland Northwest. It has high potential productivity, its growth being nearly equal to western white pine, the most productive species in the region. There are large standing volumes of grand fir in the region. Nutritionally, the species has higher foliage cation concentrations than associated conifers, especially potassium (K) and calcium (Ca). In contrast, it has lower nitrogen (N) foliage concentrations, which creates favorable nutrient balance on N-limited sites. Despite concentration differences, grand fir stores proportionally more nutrients per tree than associated species because of greater crown biomass. Although few fertilization trials have examined grand fir specifically, its response is inferred from its occurrence in many monitored mixed conifer stands. Fertilization trials including grand fir either as a major or minor component show that it has a strong diameter and height growth response ranging from 15% to 50% depending in part on site moisture availability and soil geology. Grand fir tends to have a longer response duration than other inland conifers. When executed concurrently with thinning, fertilization often increases the total response. Late rotation application of N provides solid investment returns in carefully selected stands. Although there are still challenges with the post-fertilization effects on tree mortality, grand fir will continue to be an important species with good economic values and beneficial responses to fertilization and nutrient management.
Highlights
Grand fir is widely distributed in the moist forests of the Pacific Northwest (Figure 1)
Fertilization trials including grand fir either as a major or minor component show that it has a strong diameter and height growth response ranging from 15% to 50% depending in part on site moisture availability and soil geology
While the relationship between favorable K/N ratios and phenolic concentrations was confirmed in seedlings [53,54] they could not demonstrate an effect of stand-level N and K fertilization on root disease or mortality after ten years
Summary
Grand fir is widely distributed in the moist forests of the Pacific Northwest (Figure 1). Grand fir is shade tolerant and often takes a subordinate position in the stand in mixture with other inland species. Once established, it grows rapidly nearly equal. It grows rapidly nearly equal to to Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga mensiesii (Mirb.) Franco) on the Pacific Coast and western white pine. Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga mensiesii (Mirb.) Franco) on the Pacific Coast and western white pine Don) in Idaho [1] As it approaches 50 years old, height is comparable. As it approaches 50 years old, height is comparable to other to other associated species the Inland. Alternative forest products that add value are Christmas trees, floral boughs, and oils of 15 obtained from the foliage
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