Author: Miroslaw M. Czapowskyj

Publisher:

Published: 1980

Total Pages: 20

ISBN-13:

Abstract: Average dry weight and nutrient levels in current foliage from red spruce and balsam fir seedlings and saplings in the understory of a 25-year old aspen and birch stand were observed 3 years after N, P, and lime treatments were applied. Elemental concentrations were plotted as a function of needle weight and quantity of element per needle. This allows interpretation of treatment effect on overall nutrient levels for both concentration and quantity of each element in the foliage. In balsam fir, dry weight per needle was significantly increased by N fertilizer. Nitrogen also significantly affected levels of ash, N, P, K, Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Na in balsam fir foliage. In red spruce, dry weight per needle, N, and Fe levels all responded to N fertilizer; P fertilizer affected P foliar concentration and lime significantly affected Mn levels. In both species there were significant interactions among the N, P, and lime treatments, indicating that response to one element varied according to the other elements added simultaneously. Balsam fir needles were heavier and contained higher levels of nutrients than red spruce needles. The magnitude of changes in elemental levels was generally greater for balsam fir than for red spruce.