Short-term effects of lime application on soil properties and fine-root characteristics for a 9-year-old Sitka spruce plantation growing on a deep peat soil

Abstract

Summary Short-term effects of lime application on a 9-year-old Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.)) stand planted on a deep blanket peat soil were investigated. Ground limestone was applied at three rates: 7.5 (L1), 15.0 (L2) and 22.5 t ha ‐1 (L3) plus a control (L0). The peat was sampled on the first and second growing seasons after lime application. Soil properties were examined for the litter layer and three depths of the peat profile at 5 cm intervals, while fine root ( 1 cm in length) in the litter layer compared with the L0 plots at the first growing season, while