Long-term effects of repeated N fertilization and straw application in a jack pine forest. 1. Twenty-two-year growth response
Sample plots in a 45-year-old jack pine (Pinusbanksiana Lamb.) stand were fertilized six times with N or N, P, and K in a 10-year period to maintain four foliar N regimes. Volume growth response 3.6% above controls was obtained by repeated applications of 56 kg N•ha−1 associated with the target foliar N concentration of 1.4%. Application of 1344 kg N•ha−1 over 10 years killed trees and reduced growth. Growth response lasted 3 to 5 years after the application of 336 kg N•ha−1 and 7 to 9 years after the applications of 672 and 1344 kg N•ha−1. Additions of P and K with N did not produce a significant difference in growth, based on diameter data. Volume growth response to a single application of straw was similar to that obtained by repeated N additions, and lasted for 11 years.