Abstract
Pine (Pinus spp. L.) stands are often overstocked early in the tree rotation, prior to initial thinning. While pre- and/or post-thinning fertilizer applications are best-management practices to optimize growth of southern pines, there can be poor nitrogen (N) utilization and adverse environmental impacts associated with fertilization. Our objective was to determine short-term (3-year) soil responses of an emulated loblolly pine (P. taeda L.) silvopasture, which received a single application of commercial N–phosphorus (P)–potassium (K) fertilizer (CF) or pelletized poultry litter (PPL) applied at about midrotation (12 years postplanting). Compared to the control, CF decreased soil pH at depths of 0–10 and 10–30 cm, and PPL increased Mehlich 3 available P at 0–10 cm. Fertilizer responses were found for soil extractable ammonium (NH4 +)-N, and nitrate (NO3 −)-N concentrations, mineral N ha−1, pH, and available P but not for diel carbon dioxide–carbon (CO2-C) flux, total C, and total N. Total soil C, total soil N, pH, and available P decreased with depth, whereas mineral N ha−1 and 1 M potassium chloride (KCl)–extractable aluminum (Al) increased with depth. These results further our understanding of the nutrient dynamics during alley cropping of an upland soil and demonstrate the challenge in detecting short-term responses with fertilization.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
