Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Mineral composition and growth of Colorado spruce (Picea pungens) seedlings under calcareous soil conditions

  • Published:
Plant and Soil Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

Field studies were conducted to assess the mineral nutrition and growth of Colorado spruce (Picea pungens Engln) seedlings (2–4 yr) from provenances selected for superior growth on calcareous prairie soils. Tissue nutrient concentrations and response to nitrogen were determined by use of foliar analysis and growth pattern studies. Soil conditions ranged from 7.6–7.8 for pH, 12–23% for total CaCO3, and 5–6% for active CaCO3. Foliage mineral composition showed relatively low phosphorus (0.09–0.15%) and high calcium (0.45–1.52%) assimilation. Seasonal growth and seedling response to added nitrogen was not adversely affected by the calcareous soil condition. Levels of nitrogen in the foliage required for optimum growth ranged from 1.5–2.0% and were similar to that of other conifer species.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Armson K A and Williams J R M 1960 The root development of red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait) seedlings in relation to various soil conditions. For. Chron. 36, 14–17.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Armson K A and Sadreika V 1974 Forest tree nursery soil management and related practices. Min. Natural Res., Ontario, Can., 177 p.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Benzian B 1965 Experiments on nutrition problems in forest nurseries (Vol. 1). For. Commission Bull. No. 37, HMSO, London, 251 p.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Canada Soil Survey Committee 1978 Manual on Soil Sampling and Methods of Analysis (ed. J A McKeague) Soil Res. Inst., Ottawa, Can.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Carter M R 1979 Nitrogen studies with conifers. Annu. Rep. 1979. PFRA Tree Nursery, Indian Head. Sask., Can.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Carter M R 1980 Association of cation and organic anion accumulation with iron chlorosis of Scots pine on prairie soils. Plant and Soil 56, 293–300.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Carter M R 1981 Association of total CaCO3 and active CaCO3 with growth of five tree species on Chernozemic soils. Can. J. Soil Sci. 61, 173–175.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Clayton J S 1941 Report on the soil survey of the forest nursery station at Indian Head, Sask. Soil Survey, Univ. Sask. Saskatoon, Sask., Can.

  9. Clement A 1977 Comparison between the mineral nutrition ofPinus nigricana andPicea excelsia in very calcareous, calcareous and non-calcareous soils, effects of mineral and organic anions on metabolism. Ann. Sci. For. 34, 293–309.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Comerford N B and Fisher R F 1984 Using foliar analysis to classify nitrogen-deficient sites. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J 48, 910–913.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Daubenmire R 1972 On the relation betweenPicea pungens andPicea engelmanni in the Rocky Mountains. Can. J. Bot. 50, 733–742.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Hacskaylo J, Finn R F and Vimmerstedt J P 1969 Deficiency symptoms of some forest trees. Ohio Agric. Res. Dev. Center. Wooster, Ohio Res. Bull. 1015.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Kramer P J and Kozlowski T T 1960 Physiology of Trees. McGraw-Hill, New York, 642 p.

    Google Scholar 

  14. McClain K M and Armson K A 1976 Effect of water supply, nitrogen, and seedbed density on white spruce seedling growth. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 40, 443–446.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Nelson K E and Selby R. 1974 The effect of nitrogen sources and iron levels on the growth and composition of sitka spruce and Scots pine. Plant and Soil 41, 573–588.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. P. F. R. A. 1980. Shelterbelt Species. PFRA Tree Nursery, Indian Head, Sask.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Salonius P O, MacDonald C C and Fisher R A 1979 Assessment of the necessity of grinding conifer foliage for chemical analysis. Bi-Monthly Research Notes 35 (1): 1 (Jan.–Feb.), Forestry Service, Environment Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Stoeckler J H 1965 Conifer nursery practice in the Prairie Plains. USDA for Serv. Agric. Handbook No. 279.

  19. Van den Driessche R 1974 Prediction of mineral nutrient status of trees by foliar analysis. Bot Rev. 40, 347–394.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Ward G M and Johnston F G 1962 Chemical methods of plant analysis. Pub. No. 1064. Agric. Canada, Ottawa, Can.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Yaalon D H 1957 Problems of soil testing on calcareous soils. Plant and Soil 8, 275–288.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Author notes

  1. M. R. Carter

    Present address: Research Station, Agriculture Canada, C1A 7M8, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Investigations Section, PFRA Tree Nursery, SOG 2KO, Indian Head, Saskatchewan, Canada

    M. R. Carter

Authors
  1. M. R. Carter
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Carter, M.R. Mineral composition and growth of Colorado spruce (Picea pungens) seedlings under calcareous soil conditions. Plant Soil 94, 341–348 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02374328

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02374328

Key words

Search

Navigation