Height growth, needle mass and needle nutrient concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Cu in a 6‐year‐old black spruce peatland plantation in Newfoundland, Canada

Height growth, needle mass and needle concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Cu were determined for black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) 2 years, 4 years and 6 years after planting on an ombrotrophic domed bog. Experimental treatments included four ditch spacings (3 m, 5 m, 7 m and 15 m), two surface preparation treatments (tilled, untilled), and 2 fertilization treatments (PK, unfertilized), contained within five blocks. The most effective treatment for early growth of black spruce was a 3‐m and/or 5‐m ditch spacing that had been tilled and fertilized with PK. The effects of tilling alone on growth and nutrient uptake were minimal. However, in many instances, growth was increased by the combined effects of tilling and PK fertilization or tilling and drainage. Fertilization with PK significantly increased needle concentrations of P and K as well as N. Because concentrations of K were above “optimum”; levels, even within the unfertilized treatments, uptake was accounted for by luxury consumption, th...

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