Effects of elevated CO2 on net photosynthetic rate of trees in Changbai Mountain

Net photosynthetic rates (NPRs) of four species seedlings,Pinus koraiensis, Pinus sylvestriformis, Fraxinus mandshurica andPhellodendron amurense, were measured at different CO₂ concentrations and time respectively in Changbai Mountain during the growing season in 1999. The seedlings were cultivated in open-top chambers (OTCs), located outdoors and exposed to natural sunlight. The experimental objects were divided into four groups by tree species. CO₂ concentrations in chambers were kept at 500 μL·L⁻¹ and 700 μL·L⁻¹ and contrast chamber and contrast field were set. The results showed that the effects of elevated CO₂ on NPR of the trees strongly depended on tree species and time. NPRs ofPinus koreainsis andPinus sylvestriformis seedlings increased with the rising of CO₂ concentration, while that ofPhellodendron amurense andFraxinus mandshurica increased at some time and decreased at another time. This project was supported by Chinese Academy of Sciences Responsible editor: Chai Ruihai     

Heartwood and sapwood allometry of seven Chinese temperate tree species

? Allometry of sapwood/heartwood is essential for understanding tree growth, water transport and carbon allocation, timber production and use, but such an allometry is lacking for Chinese temperate tree species.

? We studied the allometry and development of heartwood and sapwood for seven Chinese temperate tree species: Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc), Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii Rupr.), Japanese elm (Ulmus davidiana Planch var. japonica (Rehd.) Nakai), Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr.), Manchurian walnut (Juglans mandshurica Maxim.), Amur cork-tree (Phellodendron amurense Rupr.), and Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica Fisch.).

? All heartwood parameters investigated, including heartwood radius (HR), heartwood formation rate (HFR), heartwood ring number (HRN), heartwood initiation age (HIA), and heartwood volume ratio (HVR), were positively correlated with tree cambial age (CA). The HR, sapwood width (SW), sapwood area (SA), heartwood and sapwood volumes were significantly related to stem diameter at breast height (DBH) or xylem diameter. There was a polynomial relationship between the sapwood ring longevity (SRL) and sapwood ring number (SRN). However, most of the allometric relationships were species-dependent. The hardwood formation patterns were different between coniferous and broadleaved tree species. A power function was suitable to scale SA from DBH, but the exponent varied from 1.32 for the larch to 2.19 for the cork-tree.

? Our allometry provided a practical means to assess wood development and related physiology for the temperate tree species.

     

落叶松水浸液对胡桃楸幼苗生长的影响

A study was conducted to detect the effect of water extracts from different parts such as root, bark, branch and leaf, of adult larch, Larix gmelini, trees on growth of Manchurian walnut, Juglans mandshudca, seedlings and the allelopathy between the two tree species. Four concentrations （100 g. kg i, 50 g. kg^-1, 25 g. kg^-1 and 12.5 g. kg^-1） were prepared for each kind of extracts. Result showed that the water extracts with low and moderate concentrations accelerated the growth of collar diameter and increased biomass and root/shoot ratio of walnut seedlings. The water extracts from branches and barks with low and moderate concentrations accelerated the height growth of the seedlings, while those from leaves and roots slightly decreased the height growth of seedlings. The fact that application of water extracts of larch improved the growth of Manchurian walnut attributes possibly to the allelopathy between the two tree species.     

Influence of main site factors on Fraxinus mandshurica（Oleaceae） plantation

The investigation was carried out on 10-year-old plantation of Fraxinus mandshurica in Mao‘er Mountain Experimental Station of Northeast Forest University.tree height(H),diameter at breast height(D1.3) and the increment of tree height in 5 years (H5),the thickness of humus layer,as well as the soil moisture were measured for the plantation and the growth indexes(H,D1.3,H5) for different site conditions were analyzed.The results showedthat main site factors influencing the growth of Fraxinus mandshurica were soil moisture,gradient and location of siope in order.The growth of Fraxinus mandshurica was better on the middle-or up-slope site than on the down-slope site.Soil moisture and late frost caused by terrain are the main reasons that limit the growth of Fraxinus mandshurica plantation.     

水曲柳床播不同密度对苗木生长的影响

水曲柳(Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr.)是东北地区三大珍贵硬阔叶用材树种之一,也是东北地区的重要造林树种。研究了不同育苗密度对水曲柳床播苗木生长的影响,结果表明,当密度达到100株/m^2时,为最优育苗密度,其苗高、地径、主根长、侧根数、生物量最优,有利于优质壮苗的培育。     

Seedling growth response of two tropical tree species to nitrogen deposition in southern China

Seedling growth response of two tropical tree species (Schima superba and Cryptocarya concinna) to simulated N deposition was studied during a period of 11 months. One-year-old seedlings were grown in forest soil treated with N as NH₄NO₃ at Control–no N addition, N5–5, N10–10, N15–15, and N30–30 g N m⁻² year⁻¹. The objective was to examine the effects of N addition on seedling growth and compare this effect between the two tropical tree species of different species-N-requirement. Results showed that both species responded significantly to N addition and exhibited positive effect to lower rate of N addition and negative effect to higher rate of N addition on growth parameters (height and stem base diameter, biomass production, and net photosynthetic rate). The highest values were observed in the N10 plots for S. superba and in the N15 plots for C. concinna, but the lowest values were observed in the N30 plots for both species. However, the reduction in the N30 plots was more pronounced for S. superba than for C. concinna relative to the control plots. Our findings suggest that response of seedling growth of tropical tree species to atmospheric N deposition may vary depending on rate of N deposition and species-N-requirement.     

Effects of Light Intensity and Regeneration Mode on Stem Form and Growth of Cunninghamia lanceolata Saplings

ABSTRACT

Regeneration plays an essential role in the restructuring of plant communities, with seedlings and sprouts representing two different regeneration strategies. As an important timber species, Cunninghamia lanceolata is widely distributed throughout southern and eastern China. However, the morphology and growth of its sprouts and seedlings under natural environments have not been examined in detail. Our study quantified the morphology and growth of Cunninghamia lanceolata during its early regeneration phase. We selected a secondary mixed coniferous forest in the Huangshan region of China as the research location, and examined sapling height, basal stem diameter, lateral branch length, as well as the relationships between main stem and lateral branch elongation, and between sapling basal stem diameter and height. The results showed that high light intensity promoted the extension growth of main stems and the elongation of lateral branches of seedlings. Meanwhile, sprouts generally had shorter height growth than seedlings with the same basal stem diameter, and the growth allocation of seedlings was generally more dependent on light intensity. Our findings suggest that the morphology and growth of C. lanceolata might vary depending on the interaction of regeneration mode (plants originating from sprouts or seedlings) and light intensity.     

Variations of fine root diameter with root order in Manchurian ash and Dahurian larch plantations

Fine root lifespan and turnover play an important role in carbon allocation and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. Fine roots are typically defined as less than 1 or 2 mm in diameter. However, when categorizing roots by this diameter size, the position of an individual root on the complex lateral branching pattern has often been ignored, and our knowledge about relationships between branching order and root function thus remains limited. More recently, studies on root survivals found that longevity was remarkably different in the same branching level due to diameter variations. The objectives of this study were: (1) To examine variations of fine root diameter from the first-to fifth-orders in Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr and Larix gmelinii Rupr roots; and (2) To reveal how the season, soil nutrient, and water availability affect root diameter in different branch order in two species. This study was conducted at Maoershan Forest Research Station (45°21′–45°25′N, 127°30′–127°34′E) owned by Northeast Forestry University in Harbin, northeast China. Both F. mandshurica and L. gmelinii were planted in 1986. In each plantation, fine roots of two species by sampling up to five fine root branch orders three times during the 2003 growing season from two soil depths (i.e., 0–10 and 10–20 cm) were obtained. The results showed that average diameters of fine roots were significantly different among the five branch orders. The first-order had the thinner roots and the fifth order had the thickest roots, the diameter increasing regularly with the ascending branch orders in both species. If the diameter of fine roots was defined as being smaller than 0.5 mm, the first three orders of F. mandshurica roots and the first two orders of L. gmelinii roots would be included in the fine root population. The diameter ranges of the fine roots from first-order to fifth-order were 0.15–0.58, 0.18–0.70, 0.26–1.05, 0.36–1.43, and 0.71–2.96 mm for F. mandshurica, and 0.17–0.76, 0.23–1.02, 0.26–1.10, 0.38–1.77, and 0.84–2.80 mm for L. gmelinii. The average coefficient of variation in first-order roots was less than 10%, second-and third-order was 10–20%, and fourth-and fifth-order was 20–30%. Thus, variation in root diameter also increased with the ascending root order. These results suggest that “fine roots”, which are traditionally defined as an arbitrary diameter class (i.e., <2 mm in diameter) may be too large a size class when compared with the finest roots. The finest roots have much shorter lifespan than larger diameter roots; however, the larger roots are still considered a component of the fine root system. Differences in the lifespan between root diameter and root order affect estimates of root turnover. Therefore, based on this study, it has been concluded that both diameter and branch order should be considered in the estimation of root lifespan and turnover. __________ Translated from Acta Phytoecologica Sinica, 2005, 29(6): 871–877 [译自: 植物生态学报]     

施肥对猴耳环幼苗生长的影响

The effects of applying N(urea, 46% N), P(phosphate, 12% P₂O₅) and K(potassium sulphate, 54% K₂O) fertilizers on the growth performance and biomass yield of 8-month-old Archidendron clypearia seedlings were examined by L9 orthogonal array with 3 replicates in the nursery of Zengcheng Forest Farm of Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. The test seedlings were potted with the subsoil of total N 0.0484%, total P 0.1518% and total K 1.2629%, and fertilized at the 2nd and 6th months with the application rates of 0, 10 and 20 mg of N, 0, 20 and 50 mg of P and 0, 10 and 20 mg of K per seedling. The results showed that the diameter at ground level(DGL), the height and the oven-dried weight biomass of 8-month-old seedlings differed significantly at P=0.05. The combined application dose of 20 mg N, 20 mg P and 0 mg K per seedling resulted in the best seedling growth and biomass yield. N fertilizer was a significant factor in the growth of DGL and height of A. clypearia seedlings. P fertilizer had no significant effects on both DGL and height, while K fertilizer only affected DGL significantly. Analysis of the leaf and root stoichiometry suggested that N may be the most single limiting nutrient, A. clypearia seedlings used N more efficiently than they used P.     

Beeting in Picea abies (L) karst. Growth and damage in a field experiment

A field experiment was established in two Picea abies (L.) Karst. plantations in southern Sweden to study yield and effects of competition on growth in beeted stands. Beeting was carried out in gaps where originally planted seedlings had been removed. Tree species used for beeting were P. abies, Pinus sylvestris L., Pinus contorta Dougl. and Larix decidua Mill × L. leptolepis Gord. The plantations were beeted when mean heights were 95 cm (Ullasjo) and 40 cm (Knäred). Effects of competition on diameter growth of P. abies were found when originally planted stands were 2.5 and 3.5 m in height. On both sites, diameter growth in stump height was significantly lower for seedlings beeted in small gaps (approx. 20 m²) than for seedlings beeted in the middle of large gaps (approx. 155 m²). This difference was larger at Ullasjo than at Knared. About 50 % of the P. sylvestris 70 % of the P. contorta and 80% of the L. decidua x L. leptolepis were dead or severely damaged six years after beeting. The main causes of damage were fraying and browsing by moose and roe‐deer.     

Effects of root trenching of overstorey Norway spruce (Piceaabies) on growth and biomass of underplanted beech (Fagussylvatica) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii) saplings

In Central Europe, the conversion of pure Norway spruce stands (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) into mixed stands with beech (Fagus silvatica L.) and other species like e.g. Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) is accomplished mainly by underplanting of seedlings beneath the canopy of overstorey spruce trees after partial cutting treatments what means exposure to shade and below-ground root competition by the overstorey to the seedlings. Particularly about the second factor, our knowledge is limited. Therefore, we carried out a below-ground competition exclusion experiment by root trenching and investigated the effects on soil resources, growth, and biomass partitioning of underplanted beech and Douglas fir saplings under target diameter and strip cutting treatments. The exclusion of overstorey root competition by trenching increased the soil water potential in the second year that had a fairly dry growing season and led to significantly higher foliar concentrations of most nutrients, particularly in Douglas fir, indicating an amended nutrient supply. Both improvements were accompanied by an increase in length and diameter increment of the underplanted saplings, appearing in both species only after having surpassed a species-specific threshold light value (Douglas fir 16% of above canopy radiation, beech 22%). We also found significant interactions between trenching and light for specific fine root length and further biomass and morphological parameters. Judged by the much steeper increase in height and diameter growth with increasing light after release from below-ground competition, Douglas fir saplings appeared to be more sensitive to root competition than beech saplings what conforms to older findings for beech. According to our results, a strip cutting seems to be more appropriate than a target diameter cutting treatment to replace a pure spruce stand by a mixed stand with beech and Douglas fir.     

Sexual reproduction contributes little to regeneration of a clonal species Corylus mandshurica

To date, the evolutionary significance of mast seeding is still poorly understood. It is also not clear whether and how seed production and clonal growth interact and then influence the colonization and recruitment of plant species that seeds are dispersed by animals. We released seeds of Corylus mandshurica in seed-rich and seed-poor years (2008–2012), to test the effects of mast seeding and clonal growth on regeneration of this clonal shrub. Our study showed that seed caching of C. mandshurica was higher in seed-rich years than that in seed-poor years. However, mast seeding failed to result in seedling establishment of C. mandshurica. Despite a negative effect of mast seeding, vegetative reproduction was common in the seven consecutive years (2007–2013), suggesting that clonal reproduction plays an important role in population spreading of C. mandshurica. Seeds are unlikely to produce seedlings in both seed-rich and poor years, suggesting that sexual reproduction contributes little to the regeneration of C. mandshurica but may be responsible for initial establishment via episodic seed dispersal.     

基于非线性混合模型的东北兴安落叶松树高和直径生长模拟

以黑龙江省带岭林业局大青川林场80株人工兴安落叶松解析木数据为例,采用Richards生长模型作为基础模型,利用S-PLUS软件中的NLME过程,分别拟合非线性树高和直径生长模型。采用AIC、BIC、对数似然值和似然比检验等模型评价统计指标对不同模型的精度进行比较分析。结果表明:当对树高-年龄关系进行拟合时,b1、b3同时作为混合参数时模型拟合最好;当对直径-年龄关系进行拟合时,b1、b3同时作为混合参数时模型拟合最好。把相关性结构包括一阶自回归结构AR(1)、一阶移动平均结构MA(1)及一阶自回归与移动平均结构[ARMA(1,1)]加入到树高和直径最优混合模型中,一阶自回归结构AR(1)显著提高了树高混合模型的拟合精度,一阶移动平均结构MA(1)显著提高了直径混合模型的拟合精度。模型检验结果表明:混合模型通过校正随机参数值能提高模型的预测精度。因此,混合模型在应用上不但能反映树高和直径的平均预测趋势,还能用方差协方差结构和误差相关性结构校正随机参数来反映个体之间的差异。     

Effect of elevated CO2 concentration on growth course of tree seedlings in Changbai Mountain

One-year-old seedlings ofPinus koraiensis, Pinus sylvestriformis, Phellodendron amurense were grown in open-top chambers (OTCs) with 700 and 500 ώmol/mol CO₂ concentrations, control chamber and on open site (ambient CO₂, about 350 ώmol/mol CO₂) respectively at the Open Research Station of Changbai Mountain Forest Ecosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the growth course responses of three species to elevated CO₂ and temperature during one growing season was studied from May to Oct. 1999. The results showed that increase in CO₂ concentration enhanced the growth of seedlings and the effect of 700 (ώmol/mol CO₂ was more remarkable than 500 ώmol/mol CO₂ on seedling growth. Under the condition of doubly elevated CO₂ concentration, the biomass increased by 38% in average for coniferous seedlings and 60% for broad-leaved seedlings. With continuous treatment of high CO₂ concentration, the monthly-accumulated biomass of shade-tolerantPinus koraiensis seedlings was bigger in July than in August and September, while those ofPinus sylvestriformis andPhellodendron amurense seedlings showed an increase in July and August, or did not decrese until September. During the hot August, high CO₂ concentration enhanced the growth ofPinus koraiensis seedlings by increasing temperature, but it did not show dominance in other two species. Foundation Item: This paper was supported by Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Open Research Station of Changbai Mountain Forest Ecosystem.     

缓释肥N/P养分配比及加载量对3种珍贵树种大规格容器苗生长的影响

[目的]研究缓释肥N/P养分配比及加载量对南方红豆杉、浙江楠和浙江樟苗木生长发育的影响,以科学指导大规格容器苗的高效培育。[方法]试验采用析因设计,研究N/P养分配比(1.75∶1、2.25∶1、2.75∶1和3.25∶1)及其加载量(1.5 kg·m~(-3)、2.5 kg·m~(-3)、3.5 kg·m~(-3)和4.5 kg·m~(-3))对3种珍贵树种2年生容器苗生长、株高生长节律、干物质积累及叶片SPAD值等影响。[结果]缓释肥N/P养分配比及加载量对3个树种容器苗生长及SPAD值影响不一。南方红豆杉、浙江楠和浙江樟干物质积累及根冠比在不同N/P养分配比间差异不大,浙江樟苗木生长受N/P养分配比影响较小,随着N/P养分配比增加,明显促进了浙江楠容器苗生长,却抑制了南方红豆杉的生长。缓释肥加载量对3个树种2年生容器苗生长和干物质积累的影响均达到极显著水平,随着缓释肥加载量增加可明显地促进3种树种株高、地径生长及干物质积累,增加了浙江楠地上干物质积累及南方红豆杉地下干物质积累,而对浙江樟根冠比影响未达统计学显著水平,但均显示加载量在3.5 kg·m~(-3)时达到最大值。N/P养分配比及与加载量的互作对3个树种苗木生长和干物质积累影响不明显,说明N/P养分配比对3个树种容器苗生长和质量的影响不因加载量的改变而变化或变化不大,反之亦然。随着缓释肥N/P养分配比的增加,可明显地延长南方红豆杉苗木株高的线性生长期,提高浙江楠株高的线性生长量,但对浙江樟株高的线性生长影响不明显。3种树种苗木叶片SPAD值差异很大,N/P养分配比及加载量并未改变3种树种叶片SPAD值动态变化规律,但随着N/P养分配比提高使南方红豆杉和浙江樟叶片SPAD值的起伏强度增大,3个树种SPAD值动态变化均随加载量增加而增大。[结论]南方红豆杉大规格容器苗培育较适宜的N/P养分配比为A1(1.75∶1)或A2(2.25∶1),而浙江楠和浙江樟为A3(2.75∶1),加载较高量的缓释肥F3(3.5 kg·m~(-3))可明显促进3种树种大规格容器苗的生长及SPAD值的提高,但加载量超过一定限度后,反而影响苗木的生长发育。     

Effect of water stress on N2O emission rate of 5 tree species

The N₂O emission rates, photosynthesis, respiration and stomatal conductance of the dominant tree species from broadleaf/Korean pine forest in Changbai Mountain were measured by simulated water stress with the closed bag-gas chromatography. A total of five species seedlings were involved in this study, i.e.,Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc,Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr,Juglans mandshurica Maxim,Tilia amurensis Rupr, andQuercus mongolica Fisch. ex Turcz.. The results showed that the stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate and N₂O emission of leaves were significantly reduced under the water stress. The stoma in the leaves of trees is the main pathway of N₂O emission. N₂O emission in the trees mainly occurred during daytime. N₂O emission rates were different in various tree specie seedlings at the same water status. In the same tree species, N₂O emission rates decreased as the reduction of soil water contents. At different soil water contents (MW, LW) the N₂O emission rates ofPinus koraiensis decreased by 34.43% and 100.6% of those in normal water condition, respectively. In broadleaf arbor decreased by 31.93% and 86.35%, respectively. Under different water stresses N₂O emission rates in five tree species such asPinus koraiensis, Fraxinus mandshurica, Juglans mandshurica, Tilia amurensis, andQuercus mongolica were 38.22, 14.44, 33.02, 16.48 and 32.33 ngN₂O·g⁻¹DW·h⁻¹, respectively. Foundation item: This project was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30271068), the grant of the Knowledge Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (KZ-CX-SW-01-01B-10), and the Special Funds for Major State Basic Research Program of China (No. G1999043407) Biography: Wang Miao (1964-), male, associate professor in Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shenyang 110016, P. R. China. Responsible editor: Song Funan     

Relationships between larch growth and forest site factors

Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii Rupr.) Rupr is one of the dominant species in both natural and man-made forests in northeast China. Effects of site factors, including topography, soil properties and nutrient elements (P, Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ag, Co and Ni) on the growth of larch were analyzed in detail, qualitatively and quantitatively. The ordination technique was used to group the site factors and to classify sites for larch. Analysis indicated that height growth, diameter (DBH) and volume of the larch varied among site types and this will be of theoretical and practical significance in developing larch plantations.     

Aboveground growth interactions of paired conifer seedlings in close proximity

Where belowground resources are relatively abundant, naturally established trees sometimes occur in very close proximity to one another. We conducted a two-year study to assess the aboveground interactions between Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), grand fir (Abies grandis) and noble fir (Abies procera) seedlings planted in closely spaced (stems 10 cm apart) conspecific and heterospecific pairs. Paired seedling growth also was compared to seedlings planted with no neighbor. Stem height growth was not affected by the presence of a neighbor seedling, although diameter growth was slightly reduced. Branch diameter growth and weight were reduced where seedling crowns overlapped; branch morphological data suggested that this was caused by shading rather than mechanical interactions. Light measurements showed the potential for significant shading, particularly by the relatively large, dense crowns of Douglas-fir. Heterospecific pairs including Douglas-fir demonstrated the competitive production principle in that their mean growth was greater than the average of conspecific pairs of both species. Neighbor seedling height significantly affected subject seedling growth; neighbor effects were similar whether the neighbor seedling was growing on the north or south side of the subject seedling. Light reflected from Douglas-fir crowns had a lower red: far-red ratio than that of noble fir, although there was no evidence of a phytochrome-mediated growth response to the neighbor seedling. While heterospecific seedling pairs showed reduced competition, we found no evidence of facilitation for seedlings growing in very close proximity.     

Effects of applied gibberellins and uniconazole-P on gravitropism and xylem formation in horizontally positionedFraxinus mandshurica seedlings

The present study deals with the effects of gibberellins (GA₃ GA₄) and uniconazole-P, an inhibitor of gibberellin biosynthesis, on negative gravitropism and xylem formation in the stems of horizontally positioned, 2-year-oldFraxinus mandshurica Rupr. var.japonica Maxim. seedlings. Each growth regulator (100 g) dissolved in 5 l acetone (50%) was applied to the basal node of the current shoot on May 24, 1995. The same treatment was repeated five times weekly until June 28. Five seedlings were used for each treatment. The seedlings were positioned horizontally 24h after the first application on May 25. Within 5 weeks the horizontal stem of control and GA-treated seedlings exhibited negative gravitropism. In contrast, the application of uniconazole-P inhibited negative gravitropic stem bending. The application of GAs increased the number of gelatinous fibers having thickened cell walls on the upper side of stems. The uniconazole-P application decreased xylem cell formation but did not inhibit the formation of gelatinous fibers. These results indicate that not only the differentiation of gelatinous fibers but also xylem increment is important in the negative gravitropism of horizontally positionedF. mandshurica seedlings. These results also suggest that GAs may be involved in xylem cell :formation rather than the differentiation of gelatinous fibers in this species.Part of this research was reported at the 23rd annual meeting of the Plant Growth Regulation Society of America, Calgary, Canada, July 1996     

Effect of water stress conditioning on morphology,physiology and field performance of Pinus halepensis Mill. seedlings

Five-month-old Pinus halepensis Mill. seedlings were subjected to 4 irrigation treatments for 8 weeks. After the treatments, morphological and physiologicalattributes assessed included height, diameter, dry weight, water relations parameters, and determination of N, P, K, soluble carbohydrates, and starch concentrations. The remaining seedlings were field planted. Survival and height growth were recorded forfour growing seasons after planting. The mostsignificant effect of irrigation was onmorphology. Increased irrigation lead toseedlings with significantly higher height,root collar diameter and shoot and rootbiomass. Starch and soluble carbohydrateconcentrations were also affected byirrigation. However, parameters derived frompressure-volume curves were not significantlydifferent among treatments, nor were N, P, andK concentrations. There were no differencesamong treatments for survival in the field,which was highly related to summer rainfall. Incomparison, absolute and relative heightgrowth showed some significant but minordifferences among treatments.