Modelling the yield of Pinus radiata on a site limited by water and nitrogen

A process-based model is described and applied to a range of Pinus radiata D. Don stands, aged 9–12 years, growing on stabilised sand dunes in a stocking × fertiliser experiment in Woodhill State Forest, New Zealand. The model requires inputs of daily weather data (maximum and minimum air temperatures and rainfall), physical characteristics of the site (longitude, latitude, rootzone depth and relationship between root-zone soil matric potential and volumetric water-content) and crop (stocking, crown dimensions and leaf-area index) and crop physiological parameters (e.g., maximum stomatal conductance). The model was used to simulate components of the forest water-balance and annual net photosynthesis for a defined crop canopy architecture. Simulated daily root-zone water storage in both open and closed canopy stands generally agreed with monthly measurements made over a complete year. Simulated net annual photosynthesis ranged from 23 to 33 t C ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ and comparison with measured stem-volume increments of 12–38 m³ ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ over the same time periods resulted in a strong positive correlation. Ratios of stem-volume increment to net photosynthesis suggested that fertilised and unfertilised stands had a 26 and 14%, respetively, allocation of C to stem growth. Simulations using weather data for a dry year with 941 mm year⁻¹ rainfall indicated that annual net photosynthesis and transpiration of fully stocked stands were reduced by 41 and 45%, respectively, compared to those in a wet year with 153 mm year⁻¹ rainfall. Operational applications of the model to forest management in quantifying environmental requirements for stand growth and examining silvicultural alternatives are discussed.     

Nitrogen deposition in Casuarina equisetifolia (Forst.) plantation stands in the dry tropics of Sonbhadra, India

Periodic variations in the concentration, deposition and canopy impact of different forms of N on annual N deposition through rainfall, throughfall and stemflow in 5 and 8 year old stands of Casuarina equisetifolia were studied. Throughfall and stemflow ranged from 70 to 76% and 5–6% of annual precipitation respectively. The total N deposition by rainfall was 11.1 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, and by throughfall was 13.6 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ and 16.5 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ in 5-year-old and 8-year old plantations, respectively. The quantities of N deposited through stemflow in the two plantations were nearly identical, accounting for 1.6 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. Observations of the monthly deposition of NH₄,N, NO₃-N, Kjeldahl-N and organic-N revealed that maximum deposition occurred in July and the minimum in September. Organic-N deposition was 17% less (5-year) than the rainwater content. Net deposition of N, as an effect of canopy, was 7–8.7 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, which was added directly to the available nutrient pool of soil.     

Growth potential of twelve Acacia species on acid soils in Hawaii

Reforestation of degraded tropical sites is often hampered by soils of high acidity, high aluminum saturation, and low fertility. To evaluate the possibility of cultivating Acacia species on such soils, a study was conducted at Waiawa, HI, to test growth under conditions of (1) high acidity (primarily aluminum) and nutrient stress, and (2) no acidity stress and high nutrient availability. Twelve Acacia species, including the important native Hawaiian species Acacia koa, were established on a Ustic Kanhaplohumult soil. The experimental design was a split plot with two fertility treatments as the main plots and the 12 Acacia species as subplots. The treatments were: low fertility (F₀; 143 kg ha⁻¹ 14-14-14 plus micronutrients) and high fertility (F₁; 8 Mg ha⁻¹ lime, 143 kg ha⁻¹ 14-14-14 plus micronutrients, 200 kg P ha⁻¹, and 77 kg K ha⁻¹). Acacia angustissima, Acacia aulacocarpa, Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia cincinnata, Acacia crassicarpa, Acacia implexa, Acacia koa, and Acacia mangium grew significantly faster under the high fertility treatment. Three species, A. cincinnata, A. crassicarpa, and A. mangium, are recommended for planting on infertile acid soils. The volume of A. koa was increased ten-fold by the high fertility treatment. Additional study on koa's nutritional requirements is suggested in order to identify the nutrients contributing to this increased growth.     

An empirical cohort model for management of Terra Firme forests in the Brazilian Amazon

A model to project forest growth in the Terra Firme forests of the eastern Amazon is described. It is based on 12–17 years measurements from experimental plots at Jarí and Tapajós. Forest stands are represented by cohorts of species group, diameter, and defect. There are 54 species groups, with a robust diameter increment function fitted to each, tables of mortality by crown and defect status, and recruit lists by disturbance level and locality. Stand level functions partition trees by crown status, and modify growth for stand density. Recruitment is a function of basal-area losses. Evaluation compares model performance with two experiments involving heavy felling in Tapajos State Forest. At one site, total bole volume growth of all species over 45 cm DBH was 2.56 m³ ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ over 17 years, whereas the model projected 3.13 m³ ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. At the other site, actual growth over 12 years was 0.39 m³ ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, with the model giving an identical result. Both felled and control plots are compared in the study and accurately simulated. Some weaknesses in the model are discussed.     

Canopy tree development and undergrowth bamboo dynamics in old-growth Abies–Betula forests in southwestern China: a 12-year study

Interactions between forest canopy characteristics and plants in the forest understory are important determinants of forest community structure and dynamics. In the highlands of southwestern, China the dwarf bamboo Bashania fangiana Yi is an understory dominant beneath a mixed canopy of the evergreen Abies faxoniana (Rheder & Wilson) and the deciduous Betula utilis (D. Don). The goal of this study was to better understand the role of bamboo dominance, canopy characteristics, and periodic bamboo dieback on forest development. To achieve this goal, we measured tree seedling, tree saplings, and trees, forest canopy characteristics, and bamboo cover in permanent forest (n = 4) and gap plots (n = 31) in a mixed A. faxoniana and B. utilis forest in Sichuan, China. Dwarf bamboos died off in 1983 in the gap plots, and in three of the four forest plots. Forest development was assessed for the period 1984–1996. The seedling bank in forest and gap plots increased after bamboo die-off. A. faxoniana seedlings increased more than B. utilis in forest plots; the opposite pattern characterized gap plots. The proportion of seedlings on raised micro-sites on the forest floor also changed and new seedling were more abundant on the forest floor. By 1996, bamboo seedling cover and biomass had recovered to ca. 45% or their pre-flowering values. Rates of bamboo seedling recovery were faster beneath canopy gaps and deciduous trees than beneath forest or evergreen trees. Tree mortality exceeded recruitment in plots with dense bamboo; the opposite pattern was found in the plot with little bamboo. The mortality rate for B. utilis trees (2.4% year⁻¹) was higher than that for A. faxoniana (0.8% year⁻¹) and forests with dense bamboos became more open over the census period. Tree mortality was size-dependent and intermediate sized trees had the lowest rates of mortality. Stand basal area increased mainly due to greater basal area gain than loss for A. faxoniana. Interactions between tree species life history, canopy type, and bamboo life-cycles create heterogeneous conditions that influence tree and bamboo regeneration and contribute to the coexistence of A. faxoniana and B. utilis in old-growth forests in southwestern China.     

Biomass distribution and productivity ofPinus edulis—Juniperus monosperma woodlands of north-central Arizona

Above-ground biomass distribution, leaf area, above-ground net primary productivity and foliage characteristics were determined for 90- and 350-year-oldPinus edulis-Juniperus monosperma ecosystems on the Colorado Plateau of northern Arizona. These ecosystems have low biomass, leaf area and primary productivity compared with forests in wetter environments. Biomass of the 350-year-old pinyon-juniper stand examined in this study was 54.1 mg ha⁻¹; that of the 90-year-old stand was 23.7 mg ha⁻¹. Above-ground net primary production averaged 2.12 mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ for the young and 2.88 mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ for the mature stand; tree production was about 80% of these values for both stands. Projected ecosystem leaf area (LAI) of the stands was 1.72 m² m⁻² and 1.85 m² m⁻², respectively. Production efficiency (dry matter production per unit leaf area) was 0.129 kg m⁻² year⁻¹ for the young, and 0.160 kg m⁻² year⁻¹ for the mature stand. Production efficiency of the study sites was below the 0.188 kg m⁻² year⁻¹ reported for xeric, pure juniper stands in the northern Great Basin. Biomass of pinyon-juniper ecosystems of northern Arizona is generally below the 60–121 mg ha⁻¹ reported for pinyon-juniper stands of the western Great Basin in Nevada. A climatic gradient with summer precipitation decreasing between southeast Arizona and northwest Nevada occurs in the pinyon-juniper region. Great Basin pinyon-juniper ecosystems lie at the dry-summer end of this gradient while pinyon-juniper ecosystems of the Colorado Plateau lie at about the middle of this gradient. In spite of wetter summers, pinyon-juniper ecosystems of northern Arizona are less productive than those of the Great Basin.     

Biomass production and allocation, including fine-root turnover, and annual N uptake in lysimeter-grown basket willows

Annual net primary production (NPP) and N uptake were estimated for lysimeter-grown basket willows (Salix viminalis L.) during 3 years after planting. The willows were grown in a stand structure and continuously supplied with water and liquid fertilizer through drip tubes. The lysimeters contained either clay from the site or washed quartz sand. Shoot growth and leaf litter were measured and fine-root dynamics observed in minirhizotrons. Destructive samples were taken annually in late autumn and entire root systems were washed out. Dry mass and N content of all plant parts were determined. Fine-root production was estimated by two methods, based on destructive samplings and observations in minirhizotrons.

The proportion of biomass allocated below ground increased considerably when estimates based on accumulated NPP were compared with those based on standing dry mass. In the first year, 49 and 58% of annual NPP in willows grown in clay and sand, respectively, was belowground. In subsequent years the proportions were 36–38% and 33–40%. Most belowground production was fine roots. Relatively more N was used belowground in the first year than subsequently, but no substrate-induced differences were observed in the allocation pattern. Both annual NPP and N uptake was always higher in plants in clay than in those in sand: in the final 2 years, 21–22 tonnes DM ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ and 190 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ in clay, and 9–10 tonnes DM ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ and 100 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ in sand.     

Estimation of litter fall and seed production of Acacia mangium in a forest plantation in South Sumatra, Indonesia

Annual litter fall of Acacia mangium in the period of September 1995 to August 1996 was estimated at 5939 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ and from September 1995 to August 1996 at 6048 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, with the highest seasonal production in the dry season. The litter fall was dominated mainly by leaves, 4446 kg (75%) and 4137 kg (68%), respectively. Seed production in the litter fall was estimated at 42.4 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ (4.1 million seeds ha⁻¹) and 39 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ (3.8 million seeds ha⁻¹), with the highest in the dry season from June to October. The accumulated litter fall in the forest floor together with shrubs and grass provide a high fuel load, increasing fire risk.     

Successional patterns and gap phase dynamics of a humid tropical forest of the Western Ghats of Kerala, India: ground vegetation, biomass, productivity and nutrient cycling

The population dynamics of the ground vegetation and its energetics such as biomass accumulation and net primary productivity, and the nutrient cycling patterns in the humid tropical forest of the Western Ghats in India are largely determined by gap age and by whether gaps are formed naturally or through selection felling. Responses of plant categories such as herbs, shrubs, tree seedlings and saplings also vary depending upon gap type and age. An exotic species such as Chromolaena odorata occurred only in selection-felled gaps ((9 ± 3)−(49 ± 4) individuals (100 m)⁻²). Nilgirianthus ciliatus, a dominant shrub, plays a key role in the gaps in determining population dynamics of others. The net primary productivity of the ground vegetation, which is about 31.17 ± 4.26 kg (100 m)⁻² year⁻¹ in an undisturbed site, increased a year after gap formation to 102.82 ± 6.46 kg (100 m)⁻² year⁻¹ in natural gaps and to 71.82 ± 2.36 kg (100 m)⁻² year⁻¹ in selection-felled gaps. Five years after gap formation, net primary productivity of the ground vegetation declined considerably, this being related to decline in fast-growing shrub and secondary tree species in the vegetation and gap closure. A similar trend was also recorded for the rates of nutrient uptake and nutrient accumulation in the vegetation.

In natural gaps the soil nutrient level increased gradually with gap age. This could be attributed to slow release of nutrients from the fallen trunks and nutrient storage in the rapidly recovering vegetation. In contrast, in selection-felled gaps, the quantities of soil nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and magnesium were higher in 1-year-old gaps than in undisturbed sites, owing to the release of these nutrients from leaf litter and wood debris which were deposited in larger quantities within the gap itself, and owing to sparse ground vegetation resulting from the greater disturbance of the soil, in the first 1 or 2 years. The fractional annual turnover rates of elements of the ground vegetation and the soil were higher in 1-year-old gaps and declined with gap age. The significance of these results for forest management is discussed.     

Effects of intensive harvesting on nutrient capitals of three forest types in New England

Effects of whole-tree clearcutting are being studied in three major forest types in the northeastern United States: a spruce-fir forest in central Maine, a northern hardwood forest in New Hampshire, and a central hardwood forest in Connecticut. At each site we sampled total and extractable nutrient capitals, inputs and outputs of nutrient ions in precipitation and streamflow, nutrient removals in harvested products, and nutrient accumulation in regrowth. Depending upon location, combined losses of nutrients in harvested products and increased leaching to streams were in the ranges of 374–558 kg ha⁻¹ for Ca, 135–253 kg ha⁻¹ for K, 50–65 kg ha⁻¹ for Mg, 248–379 kg ha⁻¹ for N, and 19–54 kg ha⁻¹ for P. Opportunities for replacing these losses over the next rotation are best for N. Data on inputs in precipitation versus outputs in streamflow indicate that, once effects of harvest subside, most N in precipitation will stay within the forest. By contrast, Ca shows a net output of 8–15 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ from uncut watersheds, and the added leaching losses due to harvest may have a serious impact on Ca capital. This is especially the case for the Connecticut site, where total site capital for Ca is only about 4000 kg ha⁻¹.     

Performance of twelve selected Australian tree species on a saline site in southeast Queensland

The establishment and early growth of 12 species within the genera Eucalyptus, Casuarina, Melaleuca and Tipuana was tested on a saline site in southeast Queensland. Electrical conductivity (EC) in the top 50 cm of soil was measured using an electromagnetic induction method and calibrated against the EC of 1:5 soil:water suspensions. The site was then stratified into five salinity classes: 0.75–1.0, 1.0–1.25, 1.25–1.5, 1.5–1.75 and over 1.75 dSm⁻¹. Relationships were developed for predicting the survival and height production of 18-month-old trees. These regressions explained 15–88% of the variation in survival and 2–66% of the variation in height production. Tree species were grouped by determining the EC level where height production declined by 25% relative to that at 0.75 ds m⁻¹. Casuarina glauca, Melaleuca bracteata, Eucalyptus moluccana, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus tericornis and Eucalyptus raveretiana were all highly salt tolerant (25% reductions over 1.5 dS m⁻¹). Casuarina cunninghamiana, Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus melliodora and Eucalyptus robusta exhibited moderate salt tolerance (25% reductions between 1.0 and 1.5 dS m⁻¹). The responses to increased salinity of Tipuana tipu and Eucalyptus intermedia (25% reductions at less than 1.0 dS m⁻¹) suggest that these species are not suitable for revegetating similar saline sites.     

Stand growth scenarios for Tectona grandis plantations in Costa Rica

Management scenarios with rotation lengths of 20 and 30 years were developed for different site qualities (high, medium and low) under two different management options (high individual tree growth versus high stand growth) for teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) in Costa Rica. The scenarios are based on data collected in different regions in Costa Rica, representing different site conditions, offering a variety of possible management options for high-quality teak yield.

Three competition indices were used for modeling the competition and for the definition of intensities and the plantation age at thinning. The maximum site occupation (MSO) and the Reineke density index (RDI) provide conservative stand density management limits, resulting in the need to execute several thinning frequently. The competition factor (CF) matches the field observations and seems to be more appropriate for the growth characteristics of the species.

Final stand densities varied between 120 and 447 trees ha⁻¹, with mean diameter at breast height (dbh) of 24.9–47.8 cm, and mean total heights between 23.0 and 32.4 m, depending on rotation length and site quality. The mean annual increment of total volume (MAI_Vol) at the end of the rotation varied from 11.3 to 24.9 m³ ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, accumulating a total volume over rotation of 268–524 m³ ha⁻¹.

The most suitable scenario for teak plantations for high-quality sites is the 30-year-rotation scenario with five thinnings of intensities between 20 and 50% (of the standing trees) at the ages of 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 years. After the sectioning of the merchantable stem in 4-m length logs, the merchantable volume varied between 145 and 386 m³ ha⁻¹, with an estimated heartwood volume of 45–195 m³ ha⁻¹, both depending on rotation length and site quality.     

Deposition of atmospheric constituents and its impact on nutrient budgets of oak forests (Quercus petraea and Quercus robur) in Lower Austria

Geochemical processes in central European oak ecosystems (Quercus petraea and Quercus robur) suffering stand decline were studied in two oak stands of the Weinviertel, Lower Austria, about 30 km north of Vienna. Stores of chemical elements were determined by soil and biomass inventories. Deposition input was monitored over a 2 year period by bulk sampling of throughfall. Soil solution chemistry was studied by tension lysimetry over a 1 year period. Mineral nutrition of oak was judged by foliar analysis. Bulk deposition rates were 10–12 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, and 15–20 kg S ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. Total annual nitrogen gain is high. Both systems lose calcium and magnesium. Foliar nutrient levels indicate sufficient nutrition with main mineral nutrients, except for magnesium, which is in moderately low supply. Based on these findings, the hypothesis that pollutant deposition has been the cause of a sudden and severe appearance of decline symptoms in the second half of the 1980s must be dismissed. The data on deposition rates and ecosystem nutrient status, however, indicate that the soil of both systems is acidifying, nitrogen stores are increasing, and magnesium pools are depleted. If deposition of pollutants continues at current rates, a slow but steady degradation of many oak ecosystems in the Austrian Weinviertel is inevitable.     

Growth, biomass production and nutrient accumulation by seven tree species irrigated with municipal effluent at Wodonga, Australia

In the Murray-Darling basin, irrigation of tree crops is being evaluated as an alternative method for the disposal of municipal effluent. A study was carried out at Wodonga in which seven tree species were irrigated with effluent for a period of 4 years. Irrigation was calculated weekly on the basis of pan evaporation and rainfall during the preceding week. Annual irrigation varied between 1190 mm and 1750 mm with a total input over the 4-year-period of 4940 mm.

Height and diameter growth varied significantly between species. At age 4, mean dominant height of Eucalyptus grandis, E. saligna and Populus deltoides × P. nigra ranged from 14.3 to 15.0 m compared with 6.6 to 9.8 m for Casuarina cunninghamiana, E. camaldulensis, P. deltoides and Pinus radiata. Wood production of the faster-growing species (E. grandis and E. saligna) was approximately 130 m³ ha⁻¹, or around 32 m³ ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ over a 4-year period. This was nearly three-fold the production of the other native species and twice that of Pi. radiata. Volume growth of P. deltoides × P. nigra (85 m³ ha⁻¹) was significantly greater than that of P. deltoides (42 m³ ha⁻¹).

Accumulation of nutrients in the above-ground biomass varied significantly between species and ranged from 24 to 41 g m⁻² for N, 2.6 to 5.9 g m⁻² for P, 0.5 to 9.2 g m⁻² for Na, 12 to 27 g m⁻² for K, 7 to 52 g m⁻² for Ca and 3.1 to 7.9 g m⁻² for Mg. Nutrient accumulation was generally greater in species with a comparatively large crown biomass relative to stem size such as C. cunninghamiana and E. camadulensis. Average nutrient accumulation by trees as a percentage of input from effluent was estimated at 19% for N, 9% for P, 1% for Na, 14% for K, 52% for Ca and 32% for Mg.

Results of this study indicate the importance of selecting species on the basis of not only growth but also nutrient accumulation to optimise renovation of wastewater by tree plantations.     

Nutrient accumulation and role of atmospheric deposition in coniferous stands

Three stand types on drained wetlands, all 31 years old, were studied. The stands were: (1) Scots pine, unfertilized; (2) Scots pine, fertilized; and (3) Norway spruce, fertilized. Amounts of nutrients (N, K, Ca, Mg, P, S, B, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu) in above-ground biomass for all three stand types could be simulated precisely by a curvilinear regression model, with stand volume on bark as regressor. Net H⁺ production of the fertilized pine was estimated to be 661 mol H⁺ ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ from establishment to 31 years of age. The corresponding value for spruce was 1232 mol H⁺ ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. Atmospheric inputs to the pine and spruce sites were 695 and 516 mol H⁺ ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, respectively. Atmospheric input of N was 2.3 and 1.3 times the accumulation in the biomass of unfertilized and fertilized pine, whereas the value for spruce was 0.7. The corresponding ratios for S were 43, 19, and 11.     

Nitrate dynamics after clear felling monitored by in vivo nitrate reductase activity (NRA) and natural N abundance of Deschampsia flexuosa (L.) Trin.

The N dynamics following clear felling, focusing on NO₃⁻ turnover, were studied at four forested sites in southern Sweden. Two different methods were used to study N availability: (i) an in vivo nitrate reductase activity (NRA) bioassay and (ii) measurements of natural abundance of stable N isotopes in leaves of the grass species Deschampsia flexuosa, and in organic soil horizons. At each of the four sites, six plots were established and each year, for 5 consecutive years (1989–1993), one plot per site was felled. Thus, in 1993 there were five plots with different ages since clear felling and one control (closed forest) plot at each site. NRA was analyzed three times annually during the years 1989–1993. Samples for grass and soil analysis of δ¹⁵N, total N and soil pH were taken in 1993 only. NRA rapidly increased after the felling and remained high throughout the studied period. This suggests that there was an increased pool of plant-available soil NO₃⁻ more than 5 years after clear felling. Despite differences in site productivity and N deposition between the four sites, no significant differences in NRA were found between the sites. There were also rapid changes in δ¹⁵N in leaves of D. flexuosa, coinciding with the increases in NRA, during the first 3 years after felling. In contrast to NRA, shoot δ¹⁵N decreased 3–4 years after the felling at three out of four sites. Variations in the δ¹⁵N figures between sites may have been largely due to between-site differences in field-layer retention of N. At two of the sites, where NO₃⁻ leaching was also measured, a correlation was found between the NO₃⁻ concentration in the water and the difference in δ¹⁵N between D. flexuosa leaves from felled and closed forest plots. The data presented here suggest that NO₃⁻ leakage after clear felling is a rapid process, which is influenced by the development of field-layer biomass after the felling. Furthermore, losses of NO₃⁻ through leaching rapidly change the natural abundance of the plant available N pools in the soil.     

Long-term base cation mass balances for Swedish forests and the concept of sustainability

Data from the Swedish Forest Inventory was used to calculate mass balances for base cations Ca, Mg and K for Swedish forests. Using lysimeter and forest survey soil analyses to estimate present base cation leaching from the root zone reveals that weathering plus base cation deposition is not sufficient to support both, the present base cation leaching rate and the present rate of uptake caused by stem growth. Calculations suggest that 96% of the productive forested area may have higher rates of removal than supply for one or more base cation. Under a best-case scenario, assuming less pollution, the present growth rate and 100% efficiency in uptake of available nutrients, the area with more removal than supply would still be at least 30% of the total area. Forest soils are being depleted at a rate where the exchangeable reservoirs have high risk of being severely depleted in the next few decades in central and southern Sweden. During 1983–1985 the depletion rate is calculated to be, on the average, 0.33 keq ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. The weathering rate and present base cation deposition can sustain growth at a level where (80–85)×10⁶m³ stemwood year⁻¹ can be harvested. Any harvested growth beyond this volume must be sustained by artificial means.

For whole-tree harvesting without base cation return, the calculations indicate that it would significantly increase the base saturation depletion rate to an average of 0.62 keq ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, and risk depletion of the soil in less than one-to-two rotation periods almost anywhere in Sweden.

The calculations stress the importance that sustainable forest management must include the management of nutrient fluxes and reservoirs.     

Nutrient cycling in a clonal stand of Eucalyptus and an adjacent savanna ecosystem in Congo: 3. Input–output budgets and consequences for the sustainability of the plantations

Clonal plantations of Eucalyptus have been introduced since 1978 on savanna soils of the coastal plains of Congo. Atmospheric deposition, canopy exchange and transfer through the soil were estimated on the whole rooting depth (6 m) over 3 years, in an experimental design installed in a native savanna and an adjacent 6-year-old Eucalyptus plantation. Complementary measurements after planting the experimental savanna made it possible to establish input–output budgets of nutrients for the whole Eucalyptus rotation and to compare them with the native savanna ecosystem.

In this highly-weathered soil, atmospheric deposits and symbiotic N fixation by a legume species balanced the nutrient budgets in savanna, despite large losses during annual burnings. After afforestation, weeding in the Eucalyptus stands eliminated the leguminous species responsible for a N input by symbiotic fixation of about 20 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. Whereas the budgets of P, K, Ca and Mg were roughly balanced, the current silviculture led to a deficit of about 140 kg N ha⁻¹ in the soil, throughout a 7-year rotation. This deficit was large relative to the pool of total N in the upper soil layer (0–50 cm), which was about 2 t ha⁻¹. Therefore, the sustainability of Congolese plantations will require an increase in N fertilizer inputs over successive rotations to balance the N budget. These results were consistent with field trials of fertilization. Practical consequences of these budgets were identified, in order to: (i) direct field trials of fertilization, (ii) select appropriate methods of soil preparation, weed control and harvest, (iii) highlight the importance of fire prevention in this area, and (iv) support the implementation of field trials aiming at introducing a biological nitrogen fixing understorey in Eucalyptus stands.     

Influence of plantation site and wastewater sludge fertilization on the performance and foliar nutrient status of two willow species grown under SRIC in southern Quebec (Canada)

Salix discolor Mühl. (Sd) and Salix viminalis L. (Sv) were planted under short-rotation intensive culture (SRIC) on three unirrigated abandoned farmland sites with different drainage conditions, one well-drained (S₁) and the other two poorly-drained (S₂, S₃). One dose of dried and granulated sludge equivalent to 150 (T₁) kg of “available” N ha⁻¹ was applied to some plots in the spring of the second season while others were left unfertilized (T₀). The aims of the experiment were (i) to investigate plant response (growth and productivity) to plantation site conditions and sludge application; (ii) study nutrient status by foliar analysis. Over three seasons, growth in height and aboveground biomass were greater for S. viminalis than for S. discolor on all sites. S. viminalis planted on poorly-drained site 2 had the highest biomass yield (45.28 t ha⁻¹). Both species showed best height and diameter growth on poorly-drained sites. For both species, best performances were obtained on wastewater sludge fertilized plots. Comparative foliar analysis suggested that unfertilized sandy soil (S₁) and low foliar nitrogen concentration and content were limiting factors in the performance of the two species. Soil nitrate concentration increased as a result of sludge application. Heavy metal accumulation from sludge does not represent a risk to the environment. It was concluded that S. viminalis had the best productivity on clay sites, and that a moderate dose of dried and pelleted sludge (150 kg of “available” N ha⁻¹) may be a good fertilizer during the establishment of willows in SRIC, and may reduce nitrate leaching.     

Influence of ozone and nitrogen deposition on bark beetle activity under drought conditions

Four years of severe drought from 1999 through 2003 led to unprecedented bark beetle activity in ponderosa and Jeffrey pine in the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains of southern California. Pines in the San Bernardino Mountains also were heavily impacted by ozone and nitrogenous pollutants originating from urban and agricultural areas in the Los Angeles basin. We studied bark beetle activity and bark beetle associated tree mortality in pines at two drought-impacted sites in the San Bernardino Mountains, one receiving high levels of atmospheric pollutants, and one with more moderate atmospheric input. We also investigated the effects of nitrogen addition treatments of 0, 50 and 150 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ at each site. Tree mortality and beetle activity were significantly higher at the high pollution site. Differences in beetle activity between sites were significantly associated with ozone injury to pines, while differences in tree mortality between sites were significantly associated with both ozone injury and fertilization level. Tree mortality was 9% higher and beetle activity 50% higher for unfertilized trees at the high pollution site compared to the low pollution site. Tree mortality increased 8% and beetle activity increased 20% under the highest rates of nitrogen additions at the low pollution site. The strong response in beetle activity to nitrogen additions at the low pollution site suggests that atmospheric nitrogen deposition increased tree susceptibility to beetle attack at the high deposition site. While drought conditions throughout the region were a major factor in decreased tree resistance, it appears that both ozone exposure and atmospheric nitrogen deposition further increased pine susceptibility to beetle attack.