Advances in Fertilization for Forest Regeneration

Advancements in fertilizer products and application methods have led to improvements in reforestation and restoration productivity. Supplemental nutrition through fertilization is necessary to produce high quality nursery seedlings and is important to help overcome nutrient deficiencies on some field sites. Nursery nutrient loading is a relatively new technique that may be used to maximize seedling nutrient content; these nutrients may then be re-translocated (mobilized from old to new tissues [Salifu and others 2008, 2009a]) to support new growth following field planting. While effects on plant cold hardiness are a potential risk when applying high fertilization rates in fall, most studies have shown a positive relationship between nitrogen fertilization and frost resistance. Field fertilization using controlled-release fertilizer has also recently emerged as an effective means of stimulating early growth of planted trees. Increased browse susceptibility of field-fertilized trees is a valid concern, but responses are species-specific and past research has mainly focused on broadcast applications of immediately available fertilizer. Future research examining targeted root zone application of controlled-release fertilizer across more silvicultural systems may continue to provide important new insight into the relationship.

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Author(s): Douglass F. Jacobs

Publication: National Nursery Proceedings - 2013

Event: Joint meeting of the Northeast Forest and Conservation Nursery Association and Southern Forest Nursery Association
2013 - Lafayette, Indiana