Evaluation of leaf display of evergreen broadleaved tree species and deciduous tree species in warm temperate conifer plantations

We investigated the sapling leaf display in the shade among trees of various leaf lifespans co-occurring under the canopy of a warm-temperate conifer plantation. We measured leaf-area ratio (aLAR) and morphological traits of saplings of evergreen broadleaved tree species and a deciduous tree species. Although we found large interspecific and intraspecific differences in aLAR even among saplings of similar size in the homogeneous light environment, we did not find a consistent trend in aLAR with leaf lifespan among the species. While deciduous trees annually produced a large leaf area, some evergreen broadleaved trees retained their leaves across years and had aLAR values as high as those of deciduous trees. Among leaf-level, shoot-level, and individual-level morphological traits, aLAR was positively correlated with current-year shoots mass per aboveground biomass in deciduous trees, and with the area of old leaves per aboveground mass in evergreen broadleaved trees. Thus, tree-to-tree variation in the degrees of annual shoot production and the accumulation of old leaves were responsible for the interspecific and intraspecific variations in aLAR.     

Application of chlorophyll fluorescence to evaluate Mn tolerance of deciduous broad-leaved tree seedlings native to northern Japan

We used chlorophyll fluorescence to examine photosynthetic responses to excess Mn accumulation in leaves of four tree species differing in successional traits. Betula ermanii Cham. (Be) and Alnus hirsuta Turcz. (Ah) were studied as representatives of early-successional species. Ulmus davidiana Planch. var. japonica (Rehder) Nakai (Ud) was selected as a mid-successional species, and Acer mono Maxim. var. glabrum (Lév. et Van't.) Hara (Am) was chosen as a late-successional species. In Be, Ah and Am, high foliar concentrations of Mn had little effect on maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII), as indicated by the values of dark-adapted F(v)/F(m), whereas a significant decrease was observed in Ud. Photochemical quenching (qP) and the excitation capture efficiency of open PSII (F'(v)/F'(m)) decreased with increasing leaf Mn concentration at photosynthetic steady state after a 15-min exposure to 430 &mgr;mol m(-2) s(-1) PPFD. Compared with early-successional species, these decreases were greater in mid- and late-successional species leading to lower effective quantum efficiencies of PSII (DeltaF/F'(m) = qP x F'(v)/F'(m) = (F'(m) - F)/F'(m)). To determine the extent of photoinhibition, F(v)/F(m) of the illuminated leaves was remeasured after a 15-min dark period. Compared with the dark-adapted F(v)/F(m), we observed a significant decrease in F(v)/F(m) in Am leaves containing high concentrations of Mn. These chlorophyll fluorescence studies indicate that the early-successional species Be and Ah have a higher tolerance to excessive accumulations of Mn in leaves than the mid- and late-successional species Ud and Am.     

Oomycota species associated with deciduous and coniferous seedlings in forest tree nurseries of Western Turkey

Occurrence and pathogenicity of Oomycota species causing root rot were investigated in 10 forest tree nurseries in western Turkey. Soil samples (129 in total) taken from the rhizosphere of symptomatic seedlings were baited for Oomycota using young leaves of Quercus suber, Rhododendron simsii and R. ponticum. Oomycota (178 isolates) were obtained by culturing on selective media, and identified using morphological methods followed by PCR and sequencing of the ITS rDNA and cox1 regions. Phytophthora aff. cactorum, P. citricola sensu lato, P. crassamura, P. syringae, Pythium aphanidermatum, Py. intermedium, Py. irregulare, Py. ultimum and Phytopythium vexans were common amongst the isolates. The highest diversity of Oomycota was found in the forest nurseries at Adapazar?‐Hendek and ?zmir‐Torbal?. Pathogenicity tests showed that the isolates caused lesions on a range of host plants. The importance of these nursery infections in transferring potentially damaging oomycete species to Turkish forests is discussed.     

Regeneration and survival of tree seedlings and sprouts in tropical deciduous and sub-tropical forests of Meghalaya,India

Species composition, regeneration status and survival of seedlings and sprouts of tree species were studied in tropical and subtropical forests of Meghalaya State in northeast India. The subtropical humid semi-evergreen forests at Upper Shillong and Mawphlang are dominated by Manglietia insignis, Pinus kesiya, Quercus dealbata, Q. griffithii, Rhododendron arboreum, Schima khasiana and Prunus undulata whereas the tropical deciduous forest lying at lower altitude (Burnihat) is dominated by Artocarpus chaplasa, Duabanga sonneratoides and Shorea robusta. The species composition of the tree community at the periphery is different from that of the forest stand at the centre. In the forests at Upper Shillong and Burnihat 40% of the tree species regenerated through both seedlings and sprouts, whereas the percentage of such trees in the undisturbed forest at Mawphlang was only about 22%. Survival of seedlings and sprouts was higher at the forest periphery than under the dense canopy, signifying the role of light in forest regeneration. Although the seedling mortality occurred throughout the year, it was particularly high during winter season due to prevailing low temperature and high soil moisture stress. The sprouts, however, were less susceptible to adverse environmental conditions.     

Retention of available P in acid soils of tropical and subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests

Precipitation of mineral phosphate is often recognized as a factor of limiting the availability of P in acidic soils of tropical and subtropical forests. For this paper, we studied the extractable P pools and their transformation rates in soils of a tropical evergreen forest at Xishuangbanna and a subtropical montane wet forest at the Ailao Mountains in order to understand the biogeochemical processes regulating P availability in acidic soils. The two forests differ in forest humus layer; it is deep in the Ailao forest while little is present in the Xishuangbanna forest. The extractable P pools by resin and sodium-bicarbonate decreased when soil organic carbon content was reduced. The lowest levels of extractable P pools occurred in the surface (0–10 cm) mineral soils of the Xishuangbanna forest. However, microbial P in the mineral soil of the Xishuangbanna forest was twice that in the Ailao forest. Potential rates of microbial P immobilization were greater than those of organic P mineralization in mineral soils for both forests. We suggest that microbial P immobilization plays an essential role in avoiding mineral P precipitation and retaining available P of plant in tropical acidic soils, whereas both floor mass accumulation and microbial P immobilization function benefit retaining plant available P in subtropical montane wet forests. Translated from Acta Ecologica Sinica, 2006, 26(7): 2,294–2,300 [译自: 生态学报]     

Silvopastoralism in New Zealand: review of effects of evergreen and deciduous trees on pasture dynamics

Complex interactions between livestock, trees and pasture occur in silvopastoral systems. Between trees and pasture, competition for soil resources (nutrients and water) occurs, becoming especially relevant when one of them is in scarce supply. Trees reduce light and water reaching the understorey layers according to tree density and canopy size. However, they may ameliorate extreme climatological features (reducing wind speed and evapotranspiration, and alleviating extreme temperatures), and improve soil properties, for example, deciduous tree litter may contribute to increased pH and soil nutrient concentrations. During tree establishment, there are generally negligible effects on pasture, irrespective of tree type. However, there is a decline in pasture production and nutritive value under shade with increasing tree age and higher stand density. Under the same conditions, deciduous trees affect pasture later (extinction point of pasture occurs at 85% of canopy closure) than evergreen trees (about 67% for Pinus radiata D. Don). This is mainly because deciduous trees have a leafless period that enables pasture recovery, and their litter smothers pasture less intensely because of its relatively fast decomposition. Silvopastoral studies conducted in New Zealand are reviewed to discuss these effects, and differences in the effects of evergreen and deciduous trees are shown using the examples of P. radiata, and Populus and Salix spp. respectively, which exist in many temperate countries. Future research needs are outlined.     

温带半干旱地区针阔叶树种育苗技术

育苗在内蒙古林科院树木园内进行。该园位于呼和浩特市区,北纬４０°４８′、东经１１０°４１′,海拔１０５６ｍ,地势平坦,属温带大陆性半干旱气候,年均气温５．６℃,１月平均气温－１３．５℃,７月平均气温２１．８℃,年均降水量４２６．１ｍｍ,无霜期１３０～...     

Effect of heat on cambial reactivation during winter dormancy in evergreen and deciduous conifers

Responses of cambium to warming were recorded three times (December 14-27, 1990, January 18-February 3 and February 27-March 13, 1991) on 14-year-old Cryptomeria japonica D. Don and four times (December 12-26, 1990, January 18-February 2, February 26-March 12 and March 28-April 13, 1991) on 27-year-old Larix leptolepis Gord., during a period of winter cambial dormancy. Stem surfaces at breast height, mid-tree height and the crown base were warmed to 25-30 degrees C for 2 weeks. After heat treatment, cambia in the treated regions and in untreated regions 1 m above each treated area were examined by optical and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In C. japonica, heat treatment often resulted in cambial reactivation in the treated regions, and this response to heat gradually increased as the dormant season passed from winter to spring. Conversely, in L. leptolepis, no cell division was observed in the cambial region of warmed stems until natural resumption of cambial activity, which occurred after bud break.     

Growth of ten multipurpose tree species on acid soils in Sangmelima,Cameroon

Ten multipurpose tree species were planted both in monoculture and intercropped withArachis hypogea (groundnut) in a randomized complete block with three replications. The vigrou, biomass, nutrient content, and coppicing percentage of the trees were evaluated. Intercropping with groundnuts during the establishment phase did not affect subsequent growth and development of the species.Acacia mangium, Acacia auriculiformis, Cassia siamea, Calliandra calothyrsus andParaserianthes falcataria established well, when compared toGliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala, Dialum guineense, Dubocia macrocarpa andMilicia excelsa. A. mangium, A. auriculiformis, C. calothyrsus, C. siamea andP. falcataria produced the highest leaf (4 to 20 t ha^–1) and wood (12 to 37 t ha^–1) biomass yield (primary growth) at one to three years after planting. Coppicing percentage ofA. mangium A. auriculiformis andP. falcataria were relatively low (35 to 50%).C. calothyrsus andC. siamea showed the highest coppicing percentage (95 to 100%) and produced the greatest coppice biomass (9 to 13 t ha^–1). Total nitrogen and organic matter percentage of soils from under the stands of these two species were also significantly higher than that of the rest. The two species may thus be considered for use in agroforestry technologies for soil improvement on acid soils, which are typical of the moist tropics.     

Tolerance of broadleaved tree and shrub seedlings to preemergence herbicides

Isoenzymes were used to study the genetic variation of 121 mature trees of Sorbus torminalis in a natural stand and a subset of 21 high yielding seed trees in the same stand used for a commercial harvest. Eight enzyme systems were studied. The genetic variation of the mature stand was higher than that of other stands reported in the literature. However, this level of genetic variation was not represented to the same extent by the seeds of the commercial harvest. Differences between the bud sample taken from the mature stand and the seed sample taken from the commercial subset were particularly obvious with respect to diversity measures and heterozygosities. The hypothetical gametic multilocus diversity (HGMD) of a bud sample of the mature Sorbus torminalis trees was more than 70% higher (94.1) than the value of the seed harvest sample (55.1). Deviations between the genetic structures of both samples were statistically significant. There is no indication that inbreeding is an essential component of the mating system of Sorbus torminalis. The potential causes for the lack of Sorbus torminalis seedlings and saplings originated from seeds and their consequences for regenerating this species are discussed. This research underscores that sampling a forest tree population for commercial harvest can result in a statistically significant reduction in the genetic diversity of the sampled group relative to the overall population.     

Agroforestry on alkali soils: Effect on some management practices on initial growth,biomass accumulation and chemical composition of selected tree species

This field study started in July 1982 on a typical alkali soil (Aquic Natrustalf, ESP 99.7) examined the growth responses to some management practices in a unified system planned to establish agroforestry. The planting of 3 salt tolerant tree species with two methods: on flat natural surface (FSPB) without rainwater conservation and on ridges (0.6 m high, 1.5 m at top and 2.5 m at base) having parallel trenches of the same section to store 300 mm of monsoon rainwater; constituted the main plot treatments. The tree planting with and without forage grassDiplachne fusca linn. in the inter-row space and planting in shallow (15 × 60 cm) and deep (15 × 180 cm to cross hard pan) augerholes filled with amendment treated soil (2 kg gypsum, 8 kg FYM, 50 g N, 10 g zinc sulphate and original soil) formed the sub and sub-plot treatments replicated 4 times in a split-split plot design.The mean plant height ofEucalyptus tereticornis smith;Acacia nilotica L; andParkinsonia aculeata L. in 2 years period was 273 and 328, 240 and 240 and 211 and 199 cm respectively with and without rainwater conservation. The corresponding height of the 3 tree species was 314 and 287, 250 and 231 and 207 and 203 cm with and without grass in the inter-row space. Similarly the plant height was 247 and 354, 182 and 298, 172 and 238 in shallow and deep augerholes respectively. The tree height and basal diameter differences with and without rainwater conservation and grass growth remained non-significant but deep augerhole planting was markedly superior to the shallow augerhole planting. The 2 year biomass accumulation also followed the same trend. The grass competed with trees for moisture during hot dry summer months and increased plant mortality particularly in the shallow augerholes and more so on ridges. The plant roots, essentially, remained confined to the amended soil of the augerholes in FSPB but proliferated in the loose soil of ridges or grass and submergence ameliorated surface soil of trenches.Acacia nilotica accumulated low sodium and had the lowest Na:Ca and Na:K ratio. It was found more promising than eucalyptus and parkinsonia as it experienced low mortality and had better chemical constitution to tolerate adverse alkali soil environment. The rainwater conservation system needed further evaluation before drawing final conclusions.     

Seasonal and yearly variations in light use and nitrogen use by seedlings of four deciduous broad-leaved tree species invading larch plantations

Several deciduous broad-leaved tree species, differing in leaf phenology, invade larch (Larix kaempferii (Lamb.) Carrière) plantations in Japan. The understory light environment of larch forests changes drastically between the leafy and leafless periods. To determine how the invading seedlings exploit the changing light environment, and if phenological differences reflect the light- and nitrogen-use traits of the seedlings, we measured leaf phenology, seasonal changes in light-saturated photosynthetic rate (P(sat)), leaf nitrogen (N) content (N(area)), chlorophyll/nitrogen ratio (Chl/N), specific leaf area (SLA) and N remobilization rate (NRMR) over 3 years. The mid-successional or gap-phase species, Magnolia hypoleuca Siebold & Zucc., had a short leafy period and high P(sat) and NRMR. In contrast, two late-successional tree species, Prunus ssiori Friedr. Schmidt, which undergoes leaf flush before larch, and Carpinus cordata Blume, which maintains green leaves until frost, both had low P(sat) and NRMR but exploited the opportunity for growth during the period when the larch canopy trees were leafless. Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Ledeb. var. crispula (Blume) Ohashi, a mid-late-successional species that underwent leaf flush at the same time as the overstory larch, had values of photosynthetic parameters between those of the gap-phase and late-successional species. Among species, M. hypoleuca and Q. mongolica had higher photosynthetic rates and photosynthetic N-use efficiencies. In all species, the relationship between N(area) and P(sat) showed species-specific yearly fluctuations; however, there was no yearly fluctuation in the relationship between N(area) and P(sat) at CO2 saturation. Yearly fluctuations in the N(area)-P(sat) relationship appeared to be induced by changes in SLA and N-use characteristics, which in turn are affected by climatic variations.     

Growth, water relations and solute accumulation in osmotically stressed seedlings of the tropical tree Colophospermum mopane

Root and hypocotyl elongation, water status and solute accumulation were studied in osmotically stressed seedlings of the tropical tree, Colophospermum mopane (Kirk ex Benth.) Kirk ex J. Léonard, which grows in hot arid areas of southern and central Africa. Seeds were imbibed for 24 h and then subjected to a polyethylene-glycol-generated osmotic stress of -0.03 (control), -0.2, -0.8, -1.6 or -2.0 MPa for 60 h. Seedlings subjected to moderate water stress (-0.2 MPa) had higher root growth rates (2.41 +/- 0.24 mm h(-1)), greater final root lengths (111 +/- 3.8 mm) and longer cells immediately behind the root elongation zone than control seedlings (1.70 +/- 0.15 mm h(-1) and 93 +/- 3.9 mm, respectively). Root lengths of seedlings in the -0.8 and -1.6 MPa treatments were similar to those of control seedlings, whereas the -2.0 MPa seedlings had significantly shorter roots. Both root and hypocotyl tissues exhibited considerable osmotic adjustment to the external water potential treatments. Seedlings in the -0.03, -0.2, and -0.8 MPa treatments had similar cell turgor pressures (0.69 +/- 0.10, 0.68 +/- 0.07 and 0.57 +/- 0.04 MPa, respectively), whereas the -2.0 MPa treatment lowered cell turgor pressure to 0.17 +/- 0.04 MPa. Root vacuolar osmotic pressures were generally similar to sap osmotic pressures, indicating that the increased root elongation observed in moderately water-stressed seedlings was not caused by increased turgor pressure difference. Neutral-fraction solute concentrations, including the osmoticum pinitol, increased approximately two-fold in root sap in response to a low external water potential. In hypocotyl sap of seedlings in the -2.0 MPa treatment, pinitol more than doubled, sucrose increased from about 2 to 75 mol m(-3) but glucose and fructose remained unchanged and, as a result, total sugars increased only slightly. The benefits of rapid early root elongation and osmoticum accumulation under conditions of water stress are discussed in relation to seedling establishment.     

Light acclimation potential and carry-over effects vary among three evergreen tree species with contrasting patterns of leaf emergence and maturation

We compared light acclimation potential among three evergreen broadleaved species with contrasting patterns of shoot elongation, leaf emergence and leaf maturation. Understory saplings were transferred to a high-light environment before bud break, grown for 13 months, and then transferred back to the understory to observe subsequent carry-over effects. Acclimation potential was highest and sapling mortality was lowest for Cinnamomum japonicum Sieb. ex Nakai. Indeterminate growth and successive leaf emergence allowed this species to acclimate to both high and low light by adjusting leaf production as well as leaf properties. Sapling mortality occurred after both transfers for Camellia japonica L., which also has indeterminate growth and successive leaf emergence. In this species, carry-over effects were observed at the individual level, but leaf-level acclimation potential was high. Acclimation potential was lowest and sapling mortality occurred soon after the transfer to high light for Quercus glauca Thunb. ex Murray. Determinate growth and flush-type leaf emergence resulted in significant carry-over effects in this species. Indeterminate growth and successive leaf emergence increase whole-plant acclimation potential by extending the period of growth and architectural development during the growing season. Similarly, we inferred that delayed leaf maturation, observed in many evergreen species, increases the acclimation potential of current-year leaves by extending the period of leaf development. In evergreen species, the acclimation potential of preexisting leaves determines the role that leaf turnover plays in whole-plant light acclimation, resulting in diverse strategies for light acclimation among species, as observed in this study.     

10种常绿阔叶树种理化性质的研究

常绿阔叶树种是森林的主要植物种类,具有含水率高的特点。选择石栎Lithocarpus glaper、拟赤杨Alniphyllum tortunei、冬青Ilex chinensis、樟树Cinnamomum philippinense、木荷Schima superba、罗浮栲Castanopsis fabri、山杜英Elaeocarpus decipiens、甜槠Castanopsis eyrei、苦槠Castanopsis sclerophylla、油茶Camellia oleifera 10种常绿阔叶树种,采集不同树种的树叶、树枝和树皮,烘干粉碎后在室内进行理化性质的测定分析,以不同树种器官的含水率、热值、燃点、木质素、粗纤维、粗灰分、粗脂肪7个指标作为评价因素,对10个树种的抗火性进行聚类分析,结果表明:抗火性强的是冬青;抗火性较强的有3种,由强到弱依次是油茶、山杜英、拟赤杨;抗火性一般的有2种,由强到弱依次是苦槠、石栎;抗火性较弱的有4种,由强到弱依次是木荷、樟树、甜槠、罗浮栲。研究结果能为防火树种的筛选提供理论依据。     

Experimental evidence for the relative sensitivity of deciduous forest plants to high soil acidity

Thirteen species of deciduous forest vascular plants were established from seeds: Brachypodium sylvaticum, Carex sylvatica, Circaea lutetiana, Deschampsia flexuosa, Galium odoratum, Lamium galeobdolon, Lathyrus vernus, Luzula pilosa, Milium effusum, Poa nemoralis, Sanicula europaea, Stellaria holostea and Stellaria nemorum. An acid beech forest soil was variously treated with carbonates (CaCO₃ + MgCO₃ or SrCO₃) to obtain a soil solution pH of 3.3–5.2. The experimental results were compared with the field distribution of the same species in 230 south Swedish deciduous forests with regard to soil pH.

In general, the species reacted to increasing soil pH in accordance with their field distribution. Addition of SrCO₃ was almost equally effective as CaCO₃ + MgCO₃ (both at pH 4.2 in the soil solution) in promoting establishment and growth, whereas most species failed in the untreated soil (pH 3.3). There were no indications that the Ca or Mg concentrations of the soil solution were below minimum or even suboptimal for plant growth in the untreated soil. Within the pH range (pH 3.5–4.3) which proved critical to establishment and growth in most of the species, the reactive Al³⁺ concentration of the soil solution did not vary significantly. It is suggested that the high acidity of the rhizosphere solution, possibly aggravated by Al³⁺, obstructed the uptake or retention of mineral nutrients by the roots in the untreated acid beech forest soil.     

Microclimate patterns on the leeside of single-row tree windbreaks during different weather conditions in Florida farms: implications for improved crop production

Florida citrus and vegetable crops generate billions of dollars in revenue every year. However, wind, freezing temperatures, hurricanes, and diseases negatively impact production. Windbreaks located perpendicular to the prevailing wind can increase farm production simply by reducing wind and modifying microclimate. Windbreaks can also help in managing pathogens such as citrus canker (Xanthomonas campestris pv. citri). To study the modification of wind speed, temperature, and relative humidity on the leeside of single-row tree windbreaks in southern Florida, automated weather stations were installed in 2007/2008 at 2 m above the ground along transects perpendicular to a eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) and three cadaghi (Corymbia torelliana) (WB1–WB3) windbreaks. All windbreaks reduced wind speed, with minimum wind speed (~5% of the open wind speed) at two times the distance of windbreak height (2H, where H = windbreak height in m) on the leeside of a E. redcedar (~17% porosity) and at 4H (~3–30% of the open wind speed) and 6H (<50% of the open wind speed) on the leeside of cadaghi windbreaks WB1 (~22% porosity) and WB2 (~36% porosity), respectively, when the wind direction was nearly perpendicular to the windbreaks. Wind speed reduction was observed up to 31 times the windbreak height (31H). Cadaghi windbreaks reduced wind speed on the leeside even during a tropical storm event. Temperatures on the leeside of the windbreaks were warmer during the day and cooler near the windbreaks at night compared to temperature in the open fields. This study demonstrates that single-row tree windbreaks can reduce wind and modify the microclimate to enhance crop production for Florida growers.     

遮荫对樟树人工育苗生长因子的影响

采用遮荫状况对樟树种子育苗技术进行实验研究,结果表明:遮荫比不遮荫对樟树的高生长有显著影响,对地径生长有极显著影响,遮荫有利于樟树的苗木生长.     

Transplanting native tree seedlings to enrich tropical live fences: an ecological and socio-economic analysis

The enrichment of live fences with native tree species has been proposed as a conservation strategy in agricultural landscapes; however, little research has explored ways to do this in tropical areas. This study examines selection of native tree species, effects of damage caused by mammals (mainly cattle) in performance (survival and growth) of transplanted seedlings, and cost-benefit balances as critical steps to enrich tropical live fences. Seven native tree species, with ecological and socio-economic importance, were selected in a Mexican agricultural landscape to grow as seedlings, and six of them were transplanted into live fences of cattle ranches with different levels of cattle activity (none/moderate/high). Costs associated with propagation and seedling protection in the field were calculated, and performance and damage in seedlings were measured over 2 years. We developed an index to identify species with the best performance and lowest costs in sites with cattle activity. Our results showed that damage, caused mainly by cattle, reduced the performance of transplanted seedlings. The effect of this damage varied depending on its severity (level and frequency) and the identity and life history of species. All selected species performed well in the site without cattle access. Dendropanax arboreus was the best species at site with moderate cattle activity, and Trema micrantha and Saurauia scabrida at site with high cattle activity. These species are recommended for enriching live fences because of good cost-benefit balance. This approach could be an important quantitative method to select species useful not only in agroforestry but also in restoration projects, which normally remain under the pressure of domestic and wild animals.     

Physiological and morphological responses to nitrogen limitation in jack pine seedlings: potential implications for drought tolerance

The morphological and physiological responses to nitrogen (N) limitation in jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) seedlings were studied following the initiation of four different dynamic N treatments for six and 15 weeks. The N treatments produced needle N concentrations from 11 to 31 mg g^-1dry weight, and seven-fold difference in dry weight at 15 weeks. Low-N jack pine seedlings: 1) had an higher root/shoot ratio; 2) extended their tap root more rapidly; 3) were better able to maintain turgor when shoot water potential declined; and 4) had a larger dry weight fraction and apoplasmic fraction than seedlings with higher foliar N concentrations. These responses may contribute collectively to enhance drought tolerance in N-limited plants, thereby affecting seedling quality. Modifying nursery fertilization regimes, other than optimal as usually applied, may thus be needed to produce stock for use on particularly droughty sites. Knowledge of the nature of drought at a particular site could be an important consideration when making decisions related to fertilization.