A review of ecophysiologically-based seedling specifications for temperate Australian eucalypt plantations

The Australian hardwood plantation estate has significantly expanded in the last decade. Key production issues included: (1) will Eucalyptus nitens Maiden seedlings produced in nurseries on relatively mild sites be susceptible to transplant shock and browsing on cold out-planting sites and can this be managed? And; (2) what specifications should be required of nursery producers for Eucalyptus globulus Labill seedlings for out-planting on mild ex-pasture sites? This review outlines the research conducted in order to address these key questions. Nitrogen deprivation in the nursery induced accumulation of foliar anthocyanin which conferred hardiness to low temperature. Target specifications of 8–10?g/kg foliar nitrogen are recommended. Height of >120?mm, root collar diameter >2.8?mm, seedling container volume of ≥85?cm³, depth of ≥73?mm, density of ≥549?cells/m² and foliar nitrogen concentration of 15–20?g/kg were found to be key specifications for optimal E. globulus growth following planting onto mild ex-pasture sites. Exponential nutrient loading was a useful technique for attaining target foliar N concentrations. Seedling size was found not to affect growth of E. globulus post-planting on mild ex-pasture sites. However, large seedlings were preferentially browsed on high vertebrate-browse-pressure sites in Tasmania (poisons are banned and shooting is not effective on some sites) that did not affect subsequent growth rate but did increase the incidence of double-leaders. The ‘target seedling concept’ is applicable to eucalypts for Australian planting sites: specifications attained in the nursery should be matched to the factors limiting growth on the planting sites.     

Impacts of mechanical site preparation on foliar nutrients of planted white spruce seedlings on mixed-wood boreal forest sites in Alberta

The impacts of different methods of mechanical site preparation (MSP) on performance and foliar nutrition of planted white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) seedlings were examined at two mixed-wood boreal forest sites (Judy Creek, Fox Creek) in Alberta, Canada. The treatments included three types of MSP: disc trench, ripper plough, and bladed, the latter including thin and thick microsites (based on depth of remaining organic matter); as well as a harvested-control (no MSP). Seedlings were planted in June 1991, four months after MSP, and foliar N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Mn, Fe, and Al were assessed in the second and third growing seasons (13, 25, and 28 months later). Nutrient concentration and relative (among treatments) foliar nutrient content scaled up to the level of the whole seedling were examined. Following analysis of variance, significant responses were interpreted using vector analysis. MSP did not significantly affect seedling survival, height or unit needle weight. There was a non-significant trend of higher foliar biomass for seedlings in MSP areas than for control seedlings. Overall, the impact of MSP on foliar nutrient status on these sites was minimal. The only consistent positive effect of MSP on seedling nutrition was increased foliar Mg concentrations in blade-thin sites at Fox Creek. Indications of possible negative impacts of MSP include: increased Fe and Al concentrations in MSP areas at both sites; reduced P and K concentrations at both sites; and reduced Mn concentration and content at one site. The ripper treatment had the greatest positive effect on foliar nutrient status (P, K, Mn concentration). Blading (particularly blade-thin) resulted in the lowest concentrations of foliar P, K and Mn and the greatest increases in foliar Fe and Al.     

Fertilizer/site interactions on the growth and foliar nutrient levels of Eucalyptus grandis

This paper examines some of the relationships between site, fertilizer type and foliar nutrient levels with regard to growth responses of Eucalyptus grandis (Hill ex Maid.) in order to optimise fertilizer recommendations and characterize their effect on tree growth. Six comprehensive fertilizer trials, employing confounded factorial designs, were laid out over a number of years on six sites in Natal and Zululand, covering a wide range of environmental conditions. Experiments were assessed and compared at 4 years of age in order to control within-block variation of site factors. The major growth responses were to N and/or P, N only being suitable on sandy soils low in organic matter. Topsoils very high in mineralizable N responded to applications of P only. Sites with moderate amounts of organic matter required both N and P. Potassium generally had a depressive effect. Foliar values agreed well with responses to fertilizers, and were useful in characterizing sites and determining optimum application levels. The improvement in yield as a result of fertilization was relatively greatest on poor sites. However, there was a trend for the response in absolute terms to increase with site quality. For fertilizer recommendations to be optimized, there is a need for sites to be classified in terms of their soil water availability and the organic-matter content and texture of the topsoil. As improvements in growth increase with time, they are probably due to changes in root development and structure, rather than overall nutrient status. Thus, fertilizing must be viewed only as an integrated part of establishment practices, including the condition of nursery stock, site preparation and weeding.     

Ungulate herbivory of regenerating conifers in relation to foliar nutrition and terpenoid production

Ungulate browsing greatly influences regeneration dynamics of some forest ecosystems, yet the relationship between browse susceptibility and foliar chemistry of forest tree seedlings is not well understood. We applied field fertilization (15N-9P-10K controlled-release fertilizer at 0, 20, 40, and 60 g per seedling) and investigated how subsequent changes in terpenoid production and foliar nutrition influence ungulate browse preference for Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco), western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla Raf. Sarg.), and western redcedar (Thujaplicata Donn ex D. Don) seedlings across four sites in northwestern Oregon, USA. Fertilization increased foliar N concentration of all three species, but above-ground growth of only Douglas-fir and western hemlock. Foliar monoterpene concentrations for western hemlock and western redcedar also increased at higher fertilization rates, while Douglas-fir monoterpene production was not affected by fertilization. Regardless of monoterpene levels, ungulate browse preference was greater for fertilized western hemlock seedlings. The opposite response, however, was observed for western redcedar at two of the four study sites where the likelihood of browse was greater for non-fertilized than fertilized seedlings. Differences in browse preference among species may depend on the type and amount of individual monoterpenes manufactured in response to fertilization. Western redcedar produce α- and β-thujone, oxygenated monoterpenes known to promote gastroenteritis and possibly inhibit microbial rumen activity, which were absent from Douglas-fir or western hemlock. Higher concentrations of α- and β-thujone associated with increasing fertilizer rate provide a plausible explanation as to why ungulates preferred non-fertilized western redcedar. Our results illustrate species-specific adaptation in browse avoidance and selective ungulate browsing behavior of individual trees as linked to foliar chemistry.     

Growth response of Douglas-fir seedlings to nitrogen fertilization: importance of Rubisco activation state and respiration rates

High foliar nitrogen concentration ([N]) is associated with high rates of photosynthesis and thus high tree productivity; however, at excessive [N], tree productivity is reduced. Reports of excessive [N] in the Douglas-fir forests of the Oregon Coast Range prompted this investigation of growth and needle physiological responses to increasing foliar N concentrations in 1-year-old Douglas-fir seedlings. After 1 year of N fertilization, total seedling biomass increased with each successive increase in N fertilizer concentration, except in the highest N fertilization treatment. Of the many physiological responses that were analyzed, only photosynthetic capacity (i.e., Vcmax), respiration rates and leaf specific conductance (KL) differed significantly between N treatments. Photosynthetic capacity showed a curvilinear relationship with foliar [N], reaching an apparent maximum rate when needle N concentrations exceeded about 12 mg g(-1). In vitro measurements of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco) activity suggested that photosynthetic capacity was best related to activated, not total, Rubisco content. Rubisco activation state declined as foliar [N] increased, and based on its significant correlation (r2= 0.63) with foliar Mn:Mg ratios, it may be related to Mn inactivation of Rubisco. Respiration rates increased linearly as foliar N concentration increased (r2= 0.84). The value of K(L) also increased as foliar [N] increased, reaching a maximum when foliar [N] exceeded about 10 mg g(-1). Changes in K(L) were unrelated to changes in leaf area or sapwood area because leaf area to sapwood area ratios remained constant. Cumulative effects of the observed physiological responses to N fertilization were analyzed by modeling annual net CO2 assimilation (Anet) based on treatment specific values of Vcmax, dark respiration (Rdark) and KL. Estimates of Anet were highly correlated with measured total seedling biomass (r2= 0.992), suggesting that long-term, cumulative effects of maximum Rubisco carboxylation, Rdark and KL responses to N fertilization may limit seedling production when foliar N exceeds about 13 mg g(-1) or is reduced to less than about 11 mg g(-1).     

Leaf phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations and net photosynthesis in Eucalyptus seedlings

Seedlings of Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden, E. pilularis Smith and E. gummifera (Sol. ex Gaertner) Hochr. were grown in solution culture with 100 micromol phosphorus (P). After eight weeks, half of the seedlings were transferred to solution cultures containing 1 micromol P. After a further four weeks, growth, net photosynthesis and foliar P and nitrogen (N) concentrations were measured. The seeds of E. grandis came from a relatively fertile site and those of the other two species from phosphorus-deficient sites. Growth and net photosynthesis did not change in E. pilularis subjected to the low-P treatment, whereas in E. grandis, and to a limited extent in E. gummifera, the low-P treatment resulted in an increase in net photosynthesis that was associated with higher foliar N concentrations (especially protein-N), possibly as a result of nitrogen being retranslocated from the roots. In response to the low-P treatment, leaf phosphorus concentration was reduced by 50-60% in E. grandis and E. pilularis and by 20-30% in E. gummifera. Of the chemical fractions examined, the greatest decrease occurred in the inorganic-P pool. The data suggest that photosynthesis is not limited by leaf phosphorus concentrations typical of those found in Eucalyptus seedlings growing on phosphorus-deficient sites.     

Acclimation of Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) foliage to sun and shade

The success in clinical trials of the anti-cancer drug, Taxol(R), obtained from the bark of Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia Nutt.), has raised interest in cultivation and regeneration of this little-known species. Pacific yew is shade-tolerant and it is not known whether the foliage can tolerate the high solar irradiances found on an open forest regeneration site or a nursery. Acclimation of Pacific yew to sun and shade was studied by comparing foliar physiology and morphology of male and female trees growing in full sun or shade. Interspecific foliar acclimation to sun was studied by comparing sun-grown English yew (Taxus baccata L.) with Pacific yew. No sex-specific acclimation was found in foliar physiology or morphology in either species. Sun-grown foliage of Pacific yew and English yew differed with respect to light harvesting, transpiration, stomatal conductance, leaf structure, stomatal distribution and foliar N concentrations and contents. Chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements indicated that shade-grown foliage of Pacific yew had larger and more efficient light harvesting systems than sun-grown foliage. Rates of CO(2) uptake and transpiration were similar in sun- and shade-grown foliage indicating acclimation of photosynthesis to the growth irradiance. Specific leaf area was significantly higher in shade-grown foliage of Pacific yew than in sun-grown foliage and was diagnostic of the light environment in which the foliage grew. Foliar N concentrations were not significantly different between sun- and shade-grown leaves of Pacific yew but sun-grown foliage had a higher N content. Physiological and morphological adjustments of Pacific yew foliage conferred tolerance to both high light and shade, enabling the trees to survive in a variety of light environments and indicating that Pacific yew is suited to nursery cultivation and regeneration of open sites.     

The influence of silvicultural treatments and site conditions on American chestnut (Castanea dentata) seedling establishment in eastern Kentucky, USA

After more than 50 years of research and selective breeding, blight-resistant American chestnut (Castanea dentata) trees will soon be available for planting into the species’ pre-blight range. Increased understanding of the regeneration requirements of pure American chestnut (C. dentata [Marsh.] Borkh.) will increase the success of future efforts to establish blight-resistant chestnut. We quantified survival and initial growth of bare-root American chestnut seedlings at five locations in eastern Kentucky, USA. We used a split-plot design to compare seedlings planted within adjacent mesic and xeric sites treated with either a two-age shelterwood overstory treatment or a midstory removal treatment. The silvicultural treatments and topographic settings allowed us to evaluate chestnut seedling performance under four light and site productivity combinations. Seedling survival was 57% and seedling height averaged 94 cm following two growing seasons. Seedling survival was negatively related to sand and coarse fragment content, but was unrelated to silviculture treatment or topographic position. Chestnut seedlings grew best in shelterwood overstory treatments areas on mesic sites. Seedlings growing in shelterwood overstory treatment areas added 3- and 3.5-times more height and stem increment compared to seedlings planted after midstory removal. Seedling leaf mass and foliar nitrogen (N) content were also greatest in shelterwood plantings on mesic sites. The high-light environment created by shelterwood overstory removal resulted in better initial seedling growth, but the moderate-light of the midstory removal treatment may ultimately provide chestnut seedlings a greater advantage over competing vegetation.     

Repellent and stocking guards reduce mammal browsing in eucalypt plantations

Mammalian herbivores regularly browse plantation seedlings. In many areas, seedlings require some form of protection if they are to survive and grow into a productive plantation. Two general approaches for reducing browsing damage to seedlings are to apply chemical repellents and tree guards. Both methods have existed for a long time, and new variations are constantly being developed. Seedling stocking guards, a type of tree guard, are being used operationally in Tasmania, Australia, but there is limited data quantifying their effectiveness and concerns with negative effects on tree performance. Conversely, although proven effective, repellents are not being used, but are potentially cheaper and less problematic. We therefore aimed to determine which is more effective under operational conditions, whether this effectiveness can be improved or extended, and if either treatment has any effects on seedling form or survival. We planted Eucalyptus nitens seedlings with combinations of repellent and stocking guards in six operational plantations to examine and compare their effectiveness. Seedlings were monitored for 12 months to examine treatment longevity. We found that both stocking guards and repellent significantly reduced and delayed browsing severity, with their effects being additive. No negative effects on growth were evident after 12 months, but adverse effects on seedling form warrant further investigation. Both of these methods can be easily and relatively cheaply applied in the nursery before planting, making them appealing options to reduce browsing. However, the ideal method for a given site will depend upon local browsing intensity.     

Survival and growth of drought hardened <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus pilularis</Emphasis> Sm. seedlings and vegetative cuttings

Forestry requires low mortality of transplanted seedlings. Mortality shortly after planting is often associated with inadequate hydration of transplants. Seedlings can be hardened to the drought conditions they may experience after transplanting by exposing them to controlled drought conditions in the nursery. Eucalyptus pilularis Sm. seedlings were drought hardened by providing nil (severe treatment) or half (mild treatment) the daily irrigation routinely received (control treatment) for up to two non-consecutive days per week during the last 4 weeks of growth in the nursery. Drought hardening reduced stem diameter, seedling leaf area, leaf area per root biomass and seedling quality measured by the Dickson quality index, but increased root:shoot ratio. Hardened seedlings had lower stomatal conductance and leaf water potential on the days they received less irrigation that the control treatment. Hardened seedlings had greater stomatal conductance and were less water stressed than seedlings experiencing drought for the first time indicating hardened seedlings had adjusted physiologically to drought. Survival after transplanting in the controlled drought environment in a glasshouse was enhanced by the hardening treatments. Non hardened seedlings that had had their upper leaves manually removed immediately prior to transplanting to reduce leaf area (top-clipped) had similar survival to hardened seedlings. Stomatal conductance and leaf water potential after transplanting were higher in hardened and top-clipped seedlings than unhardened control seedlings or vegetative cuttings. Survival in the field trial was over 95% for all treatments, possibly as rain fell within 4 days of planting and follow-up rain occurred in the subsequent weeks. Neither the hardened or top-clipped seedlings planted in the field trial had reduced growth, increased propensity to form double leaders or worse stem form than control seedlings when measured at age 3 years.     

Effects of resource availability on condensed tannins and nitrogen in two Quercus species differing in leaf life span

Seedlings of Quercus ilex and Q. cerrioides, an evergreen and a winter-deciduous oak co-occurring in western-Mediterranean forests, were grown at two light regimes (8 and 36% of photosynthetically active radiation), at two water regimes (500 and 800 mm) and with two nutrient availabilities (standard substrate and 7% increase in soil N). The concentrations of soluble condensed tannins (CT) and nitrogen in the leaves were analyzed to test the phenotypic plasticity of these commonly related parameters in two con-generic species with contrasting leaf habit. Q. ilex contains seven times more CT and a few less N than Q. cerrioides. Light increased CT, whereas neither fertilization nor water had an effect on CT. N concentration was decreased by light, increased by fertilization and not affected by water treatment. Plant growth was increased by light but not affected by fertilization or water treatment. CT were negatively correlated with N concentration. CT of the evergreen species exhibited greater plasticity than the deciduous one as reflected by a steeper negative correlation among nitrogen and CT concentrations in Q. ilex. Given the antiherbivory activity of CT, this implies that in less shaded environments, e.g. canopy aperture by disturbances, leaf tissue quality for herbivores will be much more reduced in Q. ilex than in Q. cerrioides. Higher leaf CT in Q. ilex and its higher plasticity to light availability may explain the higher browsing by sheep in Q. cerrioides than in Q. ilex resprouts, as well as the low recruitment rates of seedlings of the former species, reported in other studies.     

叶面肥对油茶幼苗生长和生理特征影响的研究

以1a生出圃的油茶幼苗为材料研究不同浓度无机盐配比的叶面肥对油茶幼苗生长发育的影响,以便获得有利于油茶幼苗生长的叶面肥.在N、P、K肥的基础上,对硼酸、硫酸锌、钼酸钠进行L9(34)正交试验设计来配制叶面肥,喷施油茶幼苗叶片一段时间后测定幼苗的生长及其生理生化指标,对测定结果进行了极差分析和方差分析,并对优化的叶面肥进...     

Effects of boron fertilization in the nursery or after planting on the performance of Norway spruce seedlings on boron-poor sites

Many forest soils in Finland are poor in boron (B), especially otherwise fertile (nitrogen-rich) soils and peatlands. Boron deficiency causes growth disorders affecting young Norway spruce (Picea abies) stands. We studied the effects of B fertilization on the growth and morphology of Norway spruce seedlings. Boron was applied in a nursery and/or after planting in a nursery-field and on a reforestation site, both known to be low in B. The B applied in the nursery increased foliar B concentration in a linear relationship to the amount of B fertilizer but did not affect seedling growth and morphology. Even the highest foliar B concentration (approx. 400 mg kg^?1) did not have harmful effects on the seedlings. Therefore, B fertilization in the nursery can be used for increasing B storage in needles. Boron fertilization at planting increased foliar B concentration in the first season. Afterward, the concentration decreased but remained above the deficiency limit for at least 4–5 years. In the B-poor nursery-field, nonfertilized seedlings began to produce multiple leaders in the second year. On the reforestation site, fewer multiple leaders were found. At the nursery-field site, height growth was stimulated by B fertilization at planting. In conclusion, 200–400 mg m^?2 (2–4 kg ha^?1) of B applied at planting has longer-lasting effects on seedling B status than does B fertilization applied in the nursery, and can improve seedling quality and growth in the first years after planting on B-poor sites.     

赤桉苗木抗旱性研究

采用不同施肥方法、不同激素种类及浓度,在进行水分调控的条件下,研究了赤桉1 a生苗木生长形态、生物量等方面的差异。并通过相关性分析,选择苗木总生物量、I级侧根数、根系占总生物量的百分比及高径比4个指标,利用模糊数学隶属(反隶属)函数进行综合评价,从中筛选出赤桉苗木的最佳抗旱性育苗技术。结果表明,影响赤桉抗旱性的主导因素是水分胁迫,最佳的育苗组合为"5 d浇水—直线施肥—矮壮素100×10-6"。     

Effects of elevated concentrations of atmospheric CO2 and tropospheric O3 on leaf litter production and chemistry in trembling aspen and paper birch communities

Human activities are increasing the concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide ([CO2]) and tropospheric ozone ([O3]), potentially leading to changes in the quantity and chemical quality of leaf litter inputs to forest soils. Because the quality and quantity of labile and recalcitrant carbon (C) compounds influence forest productivity through changes in soil organic matter content, characterizing changes in leaf litter in response to environmental change is critical to understanding the effects of global change on forests. We assessed the independent and combined effects of elevated [CO2] and elevated [O3] on foliar litter production and chemistry in aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) and birch-(Betula papyrifera Marsh.) aspen communities at the Aspen free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) experiment in Rhinelander, WI. Litter was analyzed for concentrations of C, nitrogen (N), soluble sugars, lipids, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose and C-based defensive compounds (soluble phenolics and condensed tannins). Concentrations of these chemical compounds in naturally senesced litter were similar in aspen and birch-aspen communities among treatments, except for N, the C:N ratio and lipids. Elevated [CO2] significantly increased C:N (+8.7%), lowered mean litter N concentration (-10.7%) but had no effect on the concentrations of soluble sugars, soluble phenolics and condensed tannins. Elevated [CO2] significantly increased litter biomass production (+33.3%), resulting in significant increases in fluxes of N, soluble sugars, soluble phenolics and condensed tannins to the soil. Elevated [O3] significantly increased litter concentrations of soluble sugars (+78.1%), soluble phenolics (+53.1%) and condensed tannins (+77.2%). There were no significant effects of elevated [CO2] or elevated [O3] on the concentrations of individual C structural carbohydrates (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin). Elevated [CO2] significantly increased cellulose (+37.4%) input to soil, whereas elevated [O3] significantly reduced hemicellulose and lignin inputs to soil (-22.3 and -31.5%, respectively). The small changes in litter chemistry in response to elevated [CO2] and tropospheric [O3] that we observed, combined with changes in litter biomass production, could significantly alter the inputs of N, soluble sugars, condensed tannins, soluble phenolics, cellulose and lignin to forest soils in the future.     

Physiological and phenological responses of oak seedlings to oak forest soil in the absence of trees

Established trees influence the growth and physiology of seedlings by altering above- and belowground conditions; however, tree influences on seedling physiology via belowground interactions are not well understood. We used soil transfers to an open field to examine the belowground influences of a Quercus ellipsoidalis E.J.Hill dominated forest on Q. ellipsoidalis seedling mycorrhizal infection, nutrient uptake, growth and photosynthesis over three years. After two years, seedlings planted with large quantities of forest soil (HF treatment) had greater leaf mass and foliar N concentrations than seedlings receiving smaller quantities of forest soil (LF) and control treatments. Mycorrhizal infection was greater in the HF treatment after one year compared with the LF and control treatments, with a positive correlation of foliar N and mycorrhizal infection in Year 2. There were marked effects of treatments on seedling spring phenology with HF seedlings breaking bud up to 17 days earlier than seedlings in the other treatments. The HF seedlings also had more rapid leaf expansion and larger leaves, and an increase in net photosynthetic rates. These results highlight complex linkages between above- and belowground physiology: forest soil had substantial effects on seedling physiology, including traits such as phenology that have previously been considered to be under aboveground control. Belowground influences of trees on conspecific seedlings may play a critical role in early seedling establishment.     

Root and shoot allometry of bareroot and container Douglas-fir seedlings

Detailed root and shoot development of bareroot and container Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) seedling stocktypes were compared during the first growing season after outplanting. The study was installed in raised beds with ideal environmental conditions and at a field reforestation site. Survival at both sites was 98% and did not differ between stocktypes. Seedlings were excavated in spring (5, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after planting) and in fall (35, 40, and 45 weeks after planting). In spring, container seedlings had more numbers of new roots and greater new root and shoot biomass than bareroot seedlings at both sites. In fall, bareroot seedlings consistently averaged more new root growth (though nonsignificant) than container seedlings suggesting that stocktype differences may not continue long-term. Container seedlings had significantly greater water percent than bareroot seedlings at the field site (all sample dates) and the raised bed site (weeks 5, 8, and 40 only). Regardless of environmental conditions or season, seedlings at both sites maintained water percent between 60 and 70% of fresh weight. Seedlings grown in the raised beds had much greater growth than those grown in the field. However, relative growth patterns for the two stocktypes were very similar on each site. The data generated establish baseline differences between stocktypes for root initiation, growth, and allometry during the first year after planting. Challenges associated with root development research are discussed.     

Available and not total nitrogen in leaves explains key chemical differences between the eucalypt subgenera

Many ecologists regard nitrogen as a key element in the life-histories of herbivore populations. Consequently, those studying interactions between plants and animals often attempt to link feeding to the concentration of nitrogen (N) in plants. This approach disregards the possibility that in many plants, especially those rich in tannins, animals cannot digest much of the N. The ubiquity of tannins in plants led us to hypothesise that the concentrations of available nitrogen may be more informative for ecologists than are measures of total N. Eucalypts provide a good model for examining this hypothesis because subgeneric differences in foliar chemistry cause dietary niche separation in marsupials.     

矿质肥料对杉木苗生理和根际化学性质的影响

本文分析了施用矿质肥料后杉木苗的生理指标及根际土壤化学性质。试验结果表明：①明显增加了杉木苗的生物量，其中氮磷钾混施效果最好，单施氮肥茎叶生物量增加明显，但根／冠下降；磷钾混施根／冠增大，但对茎叶生长作用不明显。②氮磷钾混施和单施氮极大地提高了叶子叶绿素含量。③明显降低了苗木根际土壤的ｐＨ，还造成了水解氮、交换性钾和速效磷的根际亏缺，同时提高了根际微量元素铁、锰、锌、铜的有效性。     

Frequencies and patterns of browsing by large herbivores on conifer seedlings

Browsing by large herbivores on planted and naturally regenerated conifer seedlings (Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris) was recorded in 104 clear‐cuts in east‐central Sweden during 1990 and in 47 clear‐cuts in 1991. The number of seedlings browsed and the browsing patterns were analysed in relation to seedling type. Browsing frequencies were also compared between forest stands with different site productivities and subjected to different management practices. The variation in the number of seedlings browsed in 1990 was explained mainly by seedling category. Among both planted and naturally regenerated seedlings, pine was browsed more than spruce. Two‐year‐old containerized seedlings of spruce was browsed more than 4‐yr‐old bare‐rooted spruce. In 1991, browsing was more equal among species and seedling types. Number of seedlings with their leader browsed and the amount of biomass left after browsing differed significantly between seedling types. Seedlings that had been browsed in 1990 experienced significantly higher browsing frequencies in 1991 when compared with unbrowsed seedlings. The effects of stand characteristics were not found to be significant.