Comparative Foliar Analysis of Young Balsam Fir Fertilized With Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Lime
1978
Timmer, V. R. | Stone, E. L.
Foliar analyses of individually fertilized balsam fir trees [Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.] were examined to explain significant growth responses and nutrient status changes. Treatments consisted of factorial combinations of N, P, and K, and one separate treatment of dolomitic lime. Simultaneous comparisons of first year changes in foliar nutrient concentration, content, and dry weight simplified assessment of deficiency, dilution, and luxury consumption. N fertilization increased both needle dry weight and N composition, but lowered foliar P, K, Ca, and Mg concentrations by dilution. Additions of P and/or K did not change needle weight and led to luxury consumption of P and K. Lime alone had no measurable effect in the first year. Overall correlations between foliar concentration and content of individual nutrients accounted for 68–78% of the total variability for foliar P, K, Ca, and Mg, but 99% for foliar N which was unaffected by dilution. A concentration of 2.1–2.3% N in current foliage is the approximate upper limit for growth response for these balsam fir trees.
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