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Growth responses of Eucalyptus regnans and soil changes following periodic fertilization

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 16:10 authored by Ringrose, C, Neilsen, W
Increased demand for plantation hardwood production has resulted in the progression of Eucalyptus plantations onto soils of reasonable physical structure but low nutrient status. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of periodic fertilization through 15 yr on stand growth and soil chemistry of a Eucalyptus regnans F. Mueller plantation on a high rainfall site in southern Tasmania. Substantial response to N fertilizer, applied as ammonium sulfate, were measured, but there was no response to P applied as single superphosphate, either alone or in combination with N. Annual applications of N fertilizer, for a period of 13 yr, at 100 kg N ha-1 yr-1 doubled volume growth from 125 to 281 m3 ha-1, at Age 19 yr. Long-term fertilization resulted in the accumulation of nutrients within the forest floor and surface soils. Significant reductions in soil pH, from 4.5 to 3.6 in the surface soil, were associated with the highest rate of fertilization. Reductions in pH occurred with both nitrogenons and phosphatic fertilizers. Substantial reductions in exchangeable Mg concentrations in surface soils, from 258 to 71 mg kg-1 were also measured. The research highlights the balance needed between obtaining growth response and causing detrimental soil effects from long-term fertilization. © Soil Science Society of America.

History

Publication title

Soil Science Society of America Journal

Volume

69

Issue

6

Pagination

1806-1812

ISSN

0361-5995

Department/School

Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA)

Publisher

Soil Science Society of America

Place of publication

United States

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Other plant production and plant primary products not elsewhere classified

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