| Type of Document |
Dissertation |
| Author |
Kiser, Larry Christopher
|
| URN |
etd-09152011-094724 |
| Title |
Nutrient Retention and Cycling in Southeastern U.S. Loblolly Pine
(Pinus taeda L.) and Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) Plantations |
| Degree |
PhD |
| Department |
Forestry |
| Advisory Committee |
| Advisor Name |
Title |
| Fox, Thomas R. |
Committee Chair |
| Berry, Duane F. |
Committee Member |
| Richter, Daniel D. |
Committee Member |
| Seiler, John R. |
Committee Member |
|
| Keywords |
- forest fertilization
- forest floor decomposition
- nitrogen
- phosphorus
|
| Date of Defense |
2011-08-26 |
| Availability |
unrestricted |
Abstract
Forest plantations in the southeastern U.S. are fertilized to increase growth on infertile, sandy soils. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are the most common growth limiting nutrients. A key question that arises following fertilization of these soils is whether the applied fertilizer benefits only the current trees in the stand or also improves long-term site quality. The objectives of this study were to compare accumulation of N and P in the forest floor and mineral soil among unfertilized and fertilized plantations, determine soluble and residual N and P fractions and soluble carbohydrate and phenol fractions in foliage and litter, determine whether higher N in the forest floor from fertilization resulted in increased release of N from the forest floor and increased mineral soil N availability, and determine loblolly pine forest floor decomposition rate and release of nutrients in a simulated disturbance environment. Research was conducted at a 25-year old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation in NC (SETRES) and 13-year old loblolly pine and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) plantations in GA (Mt. Pleasant). Fertilization resulted in increases in mineral soil N that were likely to be temporary and not sustained following cessation of fertilization N applications. This was likely due to an inability of acidic, sandy mineral soils to retain NH4-N and NO3-N. The forest floor accumulated N due to slow release of N during decomposition. Fertilization with N results in only temporary increases in mineral soil N availability that occur during fertilizer application and from forest floor decomposition. Future changes in N availability are primarily determined by decomposition of the forest floor following a disturbance that accelerates decomposition. In contrast to N, fertilization of loblolly pine and sweetgum with P results in a long-term increase in site P availability. Fertilization with P has lasting effects by increasing mineral soil P in stable forms that can be made available for plant uptake over time suggesting increased supply of P to trees in the next rotation. Retention of P in the mineral soil was likely due to the tendency of acidic, sandy mineral soils to accumulate P in Al- and Fe-phosphates.
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Kiser_CK_D_2011.pdf |
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