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Phosphorus deficiency induced by nitrogen input in Douglas fir in the Netherlands

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Summary

A re-examination of earlier NPK fertilization experiments in Douglas fir stands on sandy soils shows the effects of high nitrogen input by air pollution during the last 10–15 years on plant nutrition at these sites. In 1960, experimental plots showed a positive growth reaction to nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilization. All suffered from severe phosphorus deficiency in 1984, low phosphorus in the needles was invariably accompanied by a high nitrogen content, with all N/P ratios between 20 and 30. The same conclusion emerges from an independent investigation of nutrient status of a selection of Douglas fir stands. Hence, if stand productivity and a balanced nutrient status of the trees is to be maintained, the increase in atmospheric input of nitrogen calls for supplementary fertilization. Given the current N/P ratios in the needles, a positive growth response to phosphorus fertilization is to be expected.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Theoretical Production Ecology, Agricultural University, Bornsesteeg 65, P.O. Box 430, 6700 AK, Wageningen, The Netherlands

    G. M. J. Mohren

  2. Department of Silviculture, Agricultural University, P.O. Box 342, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands

    G. M. J. Mohren & F. W. Burger

  3. Research Institute for Forestry and Landscape Planning “sDe Dorschkamp’, Bosrandweg 20, P.O. Box 23, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands

    J. Van Den Burg

Authors
  1. G. M. J. Mohren
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  2. J. Van Den Burg
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  3. F. W. Burger
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Mohren, G.M.J., Van Den Burg, J. & Burger, F.W. Phosphorus deficiency induced by nitrogen input in Douglas fir in the Netherlands. Plant Soil 95, 191–200 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02375071

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02375071

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