Tree Nutrition Research Articles

Physiology of temperate zone fruit trees

Photosynthetic productivity nutrition of fruit trees the use of water by fruit trees fruiting factors determining size of fruit trees pruning and related manipulations: physiological effects resistance of fruit trees to cold.

Water status, growth and calcium nutrition of apple trees in relation to bitter pit

Three different water status conditions (full watered, mild deficit and high deficit) were applied to cultivar ‘Granny Smith’ apple trees growing in pots during two periods of 4 weeks (last phase of fruit growth by cell division and middle phase of fruit growth by cell enlargement). In the first period, water deficit strongly reduced shoot, leaf and fruit growth, increased the calcium content in leaves and reduced the appearance of bitter pit in fruits. When applied in the second period, water deficit reduced leaf weight and fruit growth, increased the calcium content in leaves and reduced the appearance of bitter pit in fruits. Leaf sap osmolarity was lowered by the water deficit condition. These results are discussed with regard to patterns of diurnal water status in the differently watered trees.

The phosphorus nutrition of the apple tree. III. Influence of phosphate timing treatments on the performance of Jonathan/MM.104 apple trees in two years

Bench grafted JonathanlMM104 apple trees were grown in perlite culture in a glasshouse for up to 2 years and the effects of adding � phosphate (PO or P50 ppm nutrient solutions) in spring, summer, autumn, or during the second growing season were determined. Phosphate timing treatments produced marked differences in tree performance and P uptake. Thus, spring P significantly increased the growth of tree tops, the top/root ratio, P uptake and flowering in the second year. Summer P increased the growth of tree tops, the top/root ratio and P uptake, while autumn P increased P uptake but not tree growth in the first year. Strong carryover effects were note for all first year P treatments on the growth and P content of the trees in the second year consistent with the mobilization of P reserves. Significant interaction effects between treatments were found and P uptake in a given period was influenced by the P treatment given in the previous period. Thus, P uptake and the tree growth response were greater in P stressed trees than in high P trees. All times of application of P were effective in increasing the P status of tree parts including leaves and fruit. Tree P content at the end of the second year was dependent upon both residual and current year P treatments. These findings are briefly discussed in relation to earlier published work on the P nutrition of apple trees and also in relation to their significance to apple growers.

Liming and wet acid deposition effects on tree growth and nutrition:Experimental results

Results from a factorial acid treatment and liming experiment in a stand of Scots pine planted in 1968 to 1970 are presented. Field plots, 75 m2 in size, were supplied with 50 mm of artificial rain 38 times from 1974 to 1981. “Rain” of varying acidities was produced using groundwater mixed with H2SC4. Lime was applied at four levels in 1974 in a factorial acid treatment-liming-design. Tree growth and foliar nutrient concentrations were measured annually from 1974 to 1988. The soil was sampled periodically from 1975 to 1988 at mainly 3 yr intervals. Tree growth was initially stimulated by increased acid loadings. Negative effects occurred after 5 yr. Positive effects of liming developed after 9 yr. No major signs of recovery from the most acid treatments have yet been found. Treatment effects appeared to be linear, indicating no threshold values for growth reactions. Treatment effects on foliar concentrations were found for a majority of elements analyzed. Increased acid loadings decreased the Mg, Ca and Mn concentrations, while K concentrations increased — especially during later years. Liming improved the nutrient status at increased acid loadings for Mg, Ca and Mn and decreased K concentrations. Soil sampling in 1984 showed major losses of Mg, Ca and Mn by increased acid loadings, while the K content was less affected. A link seems to exist between tree growth and the Mg situation in soil and foliage.

Management of forests under nutrient and water stress

Management of forest nutrition through fertilization and other forestry practices has, undoubtedly, helped to increase the productivity of forests. Relatively little attention has been given to the potential for manipulating available water, although water relations of trees have been studied extensively. It is being increasingly recognized that, for fast-growing tree species, availability of water and its interaction with nutrients have overriding influences on growth, with major implications for the development of cost effective management practices to increase yield. For example, it has been argued that leaf area development is primarily controlled by available water and that in turn, determines the response to nutrient management. Crucial questions which need to be examined inlude: At the process level, how does the interplay between water and nutrients influence nutrient dynamics in forests? How do trees and associated vegetation interact with respect to the use of water and nutrients? How does water and nutrient availability influence leaf area development, assimilation and in particular assimilate partitioning? Does improved nutrition influence water use efficiency? An urgent need for the study of nutrition of trees under water stress also arises from the many problems encountered in reforesting arid and degraded land. This paper is an overview of these issues, emphasizing the mechanisms and processes that underly the response of trees and stands to manipulations of water and nutrient availability.

The spatial heterogeneity of chemical properties in acid forest soils and its importance for tree nutrition

For two sites in the Black Forest, presence, extent and ecological significance of structure-dependent chemical. heterogeneity in the rhizosphere of acid forest soils is discussed. The heterogeneity is demonstrated by two independent methods. First, by comparison of soil solution composition in (quasi-) equilibrium with undisturbed soil cores and sieved soil samples. Water soluble K, Ca and Mg show a selective depletion on aggregate surfaces. Second, by comparison of cumulated amounts of exchangeable ions obtained from percolated homogenized soil samples and undisturbed soil cores. The release of exchangeable K, Ca and Mg is less, if soil structure is not destroyed. The finding that aggregate surfaces are more depleted of exchangeable and water-soluble K, Ca and Mg is common in aggregated acid forest soils. As aggregate surfaces bind soil water with low suction, that is where the roots preferentially grow. Consequently, a considerable underestimation of chemical stress in the rhizosphere is possible, if soil structure is destroyed for analysis.

Nutrients and growth relations in short-rotation forestry

Ongoing research into the nutrient and water relations in short-rotation forestry within the International Energy Agency (IEA) Bioenergy Agreement participating countries is discussed. The physiological and forestry approaches to tree nutrition are discussed in relation to a practical solution to fertiliser prescriptions. Coppice stool physiology is identified as the main unknown in the system and is thought to be the key to the future management regimes for short-rotation coppice production.

Foliar analysis and response of fertilized chlorotic Sitka spruce plantations on salal-dominated cedar–hemlock cutovers on Vancouver Island

A series of microplot and conventional plot trials were used to determine the nutritional status and required nutrient additions to bring young chlorotic Sitka spruce (Piceasitchensis (Bong.) Carr) plantations out of "check." Check occurs on clear-cut and burned old-growth western red cedar (Thujaplicata Donn ex D. Don) and western hemlock (Tsugaheterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) stands in the Coastal Western Hemlock biogeoclimatic zone growing on deep morhumus Podzols invaded by dense salal (Gaultheriashallon). Microplot trials identified the requirement for N and P. Checked trees responded to fertilization immediately with a 4- to 8-year temporary increase in leader length. Grubbing out of aboveground salal did not improve tree nutrition. There is a close parallel to "heather check" noted with Sitka spruce in British and Irish moorlands; a possible allelopathic effect of salal is suspected. It is concluded that one or more N and P additions are required to establish crown closure. Fertilized Sitka spruce show a high incidence of spruce weevil attack. The deficient and optimum foliar nutrient concentrations developed in Britain for the diagnosis of Sitka spruce appear to be applicable.

Foliar diagnosis of sugar maple decline by DRIS

Abstract Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) has proven a useful tool for interpreting foliar analyses of agronomic crops. The present study applies the system to sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) decline. DRIS foliar reference norms for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Al were derived from extant data. The norms were tested for sensitivity for sampling protocols and for diagnostic accuracy, using literature data. Since the reference norms have been proven to possess diagnostic capabilities, they were subsequently used to calculate nutrient indices and to diagnose nutrient status of declining, and companion healthy, maple trees, again from published data. Results show the potential of DRIS as a diagnostic tool for assessment of nutrient status and for prescription of fertilizer that will provide a better tree nutrition and vigor. Further research on the development of reference norms and their subsequent testing in the field is essential to an accurate DRIS diagnosis for declining sugar maple.

Alteration of Fruit Tree Nutrition Through Rootstocks

Abstract Roots have a strong influence on plant composition, but differential ability to absorb nutrients is only part of a maze of interactions affecting mineral concentrations in plant tissues. Most reports on rootstock effects on mineral nutrition are based on leaf analysis, but all other tissues are involved. Rootstock and scion effects are reciprocal, and the influence of the scion can be as strong as that of the rootstock. Variation in distribution pattern, capability of nutrients to move across bud unions, environmental and soil factors, fruit load, and, above all, the genetic makeup of stock and scion are intimately involved. There is a large amount of literature on rootstock effects on scion composition, but generally other horticultural properties outweigh nutritional effects when a rootstock is chosen. This is especially true for the major elements. The main use of nutritional properties of rootstocks has been to avoid toxicities, especially those of Cl and B, which are difficult or impossible to avoid by other means, and to avoid deficiencies.

Evaluation of the effects of ozone and acidic precipitation, alone and in combination, on the photosynthesis, nutrition, and growth of red spruce and sugar maple

Substantial and widespread morbidity and mortality of red spruce have been observed in high elevation forests of the northeast under circumstances indicative of a stress-related disease. Whether red spruce at lower elevations are experiencing a more subtle loss of growth and vigor is uncertain. In addition, sugar maple has exhibited decline of varying extent and intensity for several decades. Forests in the northeast are exposed to two air pollutants, ozone (O3) and acidic precipitation, that are widespread in occurrence and have the potential, both individually and collectively, to produce impacts to forest trees. the roles, if any, of these two stress agents in the tree declines found in the northeast are not known.In 1986, a five-year study was initiated to evaluate the effects of O3 and acidic precipitation on red spruce and sugar maple. The trees will be exposed to controlled levels of O3 and acidic precipitation in the field using open-top chambers. The experiment is a 4×3 factorial conducted in split plots with O3 treatments as whole plots and simulated rain treatments comprising the split plots. Broadly stated, the research will evaluate the effects of the pollutants on the processes, fluxes, and pools associated with carbon, water, and nutrients in the soil/tree/atmosphere system. These evaluations will be conducted on a systems level and will be integrated through the development of mechanistic simulation models.Assessment of the effects of the treatments on carbon fixation by photosynthesis, the loss of carbon through respiration, and the allocation of carbon in growth will be a central focus of the study. Whole-tree cuvettes will be used to assess net photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, and stomatal conductance.Considerable emphasis will be placed on determining the influences of the treatments on the biogeochemistry of the system. These studies will focus on the leaching of nutrients from the tree canopy, the mobilization and loss of nutrients from the soil, soil solution chemistry, and the alteration of tree nutrition by the input of additional nitrogen in precipitation.Statistical and simulation modeling will be used to assess and describe the effects of the treatments. The modeling approaches are different in technique, but complementary. Statistical models will be used to describe the responses of growth and physiological variables to the ozone and acidic precipitation treatments. Simulation models will be built to describe the relationships between photosynthesis, respiration, nutrition, and water use, how these processes are affected by the treatments, and how these effects ultimately result in altered growth. The simulation models will initially provide a framework for the formulation of hypotheses regarding the interrelationships of plant components and processes and how they are affected by the treatments.

Solute concentrations, fluxes and major nutrient cycles in a mature sitka-spruce plantation in Beddgelert forest, North Wales

Precipitation, throughfall, stemflow, soil water at five depths and streamwater were sampled for 2 years in small forested catchments near Beddgelert, North Wales. Volume- or flow-weighted mean pH, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Al, Si, H 2PO 4-P, NH 4-N, SO 4-S, Cl and dtoc concentrations were calculated. Catchment water balances were calculated for the 2 years individually. These water fluxes were combined with chemical concentrations and chemical fluxes determined. Major nutrient fluxes and cycles were examined in detail. Tree nutrition relies heavily on release of P and N from fresh litter. Nitrogen is also released and taken up from the accumulated forest floor. Release of K from fresh litter is small compared with the flux in throughfall plus stemflow.

Aluminium Effects on Vacuolar Phosphorus in Roots of Beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.)

Summary Plants of beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.) were grown on nutrient solutions with various concentrations of phosphate (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 mM) and aluminium (0, 0.1, 1.0 mM) and at low pH (usually 4.2). About half of the supplied Al occurred as Al 3+ under these conditions. The vacuolar inorganic phosphate concentrations, [P] vac , of excised fine roots were determined by 31 P NMR. In roots of plants treated with 0.1 mM AlCl 3 , [P] vac did not change over a period of 21 days. In contrast, plants treated with 1.0 mM AlCl 3 for about one day (18–29 h) generally contained somewhat higher [P] vac in the roots than did control plants. Longer treatments (3–21 days) at the high Al level caused a continuously decreasing [P] vac in the roots; [P] vac was 22 % of control after 21 days. In the presence of 1.0 mM AlCl 3 , plants with different P status showed about the same relative decrease of [P] vac . After transfer of control plants to a P- and Al-free nutrient solution, [P] vac , of roots decreased in a manner similar to that for the 1.0 mM Al treatment. The results show that exposure to 1.0 mM Al initially increases [P] vac , apparently due to a decrease in metabolic fixation of inorganic phosphate in the cytoplasm and subsequent transfer of inorganic phosphate to vacuoles. Al-P complex formation in substrate and root cell walls or specific effects on cell membranes may inhibit phosphate influx. Then, within 2–3 weeks most of the P reserves in the vacuoles are used to maintain growth. Our results are discussed in relation to effects by aluminium on P nutrition of trees growing on acid soils.

Origin of the phosphorus deficiency observed in declining sugar maple stands in the Quebec Appalachians

To investigate the origin of the phosphorus (P) deficiency previously observed in declining sugar maple (Acersaccharum Marsh.) in several sites of the Quebec Appalachians, soils originating from 10 maple stands with foliar P concentrations ranging from 0.85 to 2.36 mg • g−1 were subjected to the following analyses: the chemical composition and P pools of L and F horizons, as well as pH, total nitrogen (N), exchangeable cations, total organic and inorganic P, P reserves fractionated according to their availability, and extractable iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) of Ah (or H) and B horizons. The number of root tips per unit volume of soil was measured at 0–15 cm depth. Foliar P concentrations were positively correlated with P concentrations and P pools of L and F horizons, with the contents of readily available P fractions of the Ah or H horizon, and with the number of root tips to 15 cm depth. In contrast, foliar P concentrations and the available P fractions of the Ah or H horizon were negatively correlated with pH, with total P reserves, and with the concentrations of extractable Fe and Al and amorphous inorganic Fe of this horizon. The characteristics of the B horizon had little effect on P nutrition. It is concluded that under the conditions now prevailing in the Quebec Appalachians, the nature of the humus form may have a major influence on P nutrition of trees. Stands growing on soils with a moderately acid Ah horizon (mull) exhibited low foliar P concentrations, while those growing on soils associated with a mor humus had adequate P nutrition. A hypothesis is presented that may explain these unusual observations.

Concentration of exchangeable and soluble aluminium in acid forest soils in Greece

The concentration of exchangeable and soluble Al in acid forest soils in Greece as developed under a range of conditions was studied. The concentration of exchangeble Al ranged from 2 to 1000 ppm (0.02–11.1 soil), increased with elevation, and it was highest in the top mineral horizon of soils derived from schists under beech. Concentration levels and trends of exchangeable A1 were controlled mainly by soil pH. The concentration of soluble A1 and the value of the molar Ca:Al ratio in saturation extracts of these soils ranged from 0.1 to 2.34 ppm and from 0.4 to 74, respectively. The concentration of soluble A1 was higher in the top mineral soil horizon but the reverse was found for the molar Ca:Al ratio. Base-saturation levels of the humus layer ranged from 10 to 60% and decreased with increasing elevation. These findings are examined in the light of the dynamics of forest soils and the special mode of nutrition of forest trees, in an effort to explain the absence of visible adverse effects of Al on the health of forest trees in Greece.

Importance of water consumption for calcium nutrition of trees

Importance of water consumption for calcium nutrition of trees

Growth Rates after Fertilizing Lodgepole Pine

Abstract Heavy application rates of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) to thinned lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) produced responses in volume increment directly related to increased tree nutrition that lasted no more than 8 years. An indirect response in volume increment, resulting from increased levels of stocking after fertilization, continued for a longer period. Resulting increases in yields probably cannot economically justify operational fertilizing in similar stands. West. J. Appl. For. 4(1):18-20, January 1989.

Effects of ozone and acid rain on white pine (Pinus strobus) seedlings grown in five soils. III. Nutrient relations

The effects of acid rain and ozone on nutrient relations of white pine (Pinus strobus L.) were assessed for potted seedlings grown in each of five forest soils. Ozone treatments consisted of frequent exposure to 0.02, 0.06, 0.10, or 0.14 ppm ozone, while acid rain treatments consisted of exposure to simulated rain of pH 5.6, 4.0, 3.5, or 3.0. Plants were treated with all combinations of acid rain and ozone levels, and treatments were administered for 4 months. Acid rain caused significant leaching of Ca, Mg, K, Mn, Zn, and Cd from leaf litter on the soil surface, and soil Mg and K content declined as well. Concentrations in needles of N, P, K, Ca, Mn, Cd, and Cr were significantly increased as a result of acid rain treatments. In roots, concentrations of N, Mn, Cd, and Cr were significantly elevated as a result of acid rain. Similar increasing but nonsignificant trends were observed for Mg, Zn, and Cu in needles and for P, K, Mg, Ca, and Cu in roots. However, despite the increases in all the major nutrients, the nutrient weight proportions of K:N, P:N, Ca:N, and Mg:N generally declined in pine tissue as a result of acid rain. Although the above relationships were relatively consistent for pine in all soils, significant differences between soils in response to acid rain were observed for some elements. Ozone had significant effects on K, Ca, and Mn concentrations, and interactions between acid rain and ozone were observed for these three elements. In general, the results of these experiments suggest that the effects of acid rain on tree nutrition may be roughly similar in different soils but that the effects on physiology and growth will be heavily influenced by specific soil properties.

Sulfuric acid rain treatment of Picea abies (Karst. L): Effects on nutrient solution, throughfall chemistry, and tree nutrition

AbstractTo determine acid rain effects on nutrient solution, throughfall chemistry and nutrition of Picea abies, three years old saplings were treated with sulfuric acid (pH 2.7 and 2.4; 200 ml/tree and day) three times a day during a period of 10 days.The major effects on nutrient solution chemistry include significant increases of total acidity and sharp decreases in contents of phosphorus. Besides, the leaching of K, Ca and Mg out of the canopy clearly increases with precipitation acidity, resulting in significant lower Mg‐contents of acidic treated spruce needles.

Litter and forest-floor dynamics in aPinus resinosa plantation in Wisconsin

Breakdown of dry matter and release of nutrients from decomposing leaf litter and forest-floor material were measured in a 34-year-old red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) plantation in central Wisconsin using (1) leaf-litter bags (2) litterfall and forest-floor nutrient data and an exponential decay function, and (3) nutrient flux data and a mass balance equation. After one year of decomposition, 77% of the original dry matter in leaf-litter bags remained. The release of macronutrients in decomposing leaf litter was K>Mg>P, S>N>Ca, and the release of micronutrients and aluminum was Mn, B>Al>Cu>Zn. Nitrogen in decomposing leaf litter showed the leaching, accumulation, and final release phases delineated by Berg and Staff4. Half-lives of dry matter and nutrients in the forest floor ranged from 0.5 (K) to 39 (Al) yr. Forest-floor turnover rates of the various elements followed the same trends as in leaf-litter bags except that Ca turned over more readily than P, S, and N and Zn turned over more readily than the other micronutrients. A forest-floor nutrient balance sheet confirmed that the macronutrients N and Ca are accumulating most readily in the forest floor. The overall implications of these trends for tree nutrition are discussed.