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Fall fertilization of Holm oak affects N and P dynamics, root growth potential, and post-planting phenology and growth

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
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Abstract

• Introduction

For Holm oak (Quercus ilex L.), a flush growing species, nutrient loading during the growing season is difficult and can lead to a low nutrient status of the seedlings. To provide insights about Holm oak nutrient dynamics during fall in the nursery and subsequent planting performance, a factorial nursery experiment was conducted in a mild fall–winter area testing the effects of timing of fertilization (early and late fall) and rate (two doses of a NPK fertilizer that applied 28 and 56 mg N per seedling), followed by an experimental plantation.

• Results

Biomass, allocation pattern, shoot N and K, and root K were unaffected by both rate and timing of fall fertilization. However, shoot P concentration of fall fertilized plants was significantly increased, and root P concentration was enhanced by applying fertilizer at either the highest rate or during early fall. This revealed a different nutrient dynamics during fall that was dependent on the specific nutrient and plant component.

• Discussion

Root growth potential was positively correlated to nursery root P concentration. Six months after planting, fall fertilized plants showed higher shoot biomass, higher proportion of new leaves, and faster development, producing leaves earlier compared with unfertilized plants.

• Conclusion

It is concluded that early fall fertilization promotes nutrient loading of P in Holm oak, with significant effects on root growth potential and field growth by means of a phenologically earlier development and a higher aboveground biomass.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Francisco Conde for the help in the plantation. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the University of Córdoba and Andalucía Research Programs to promote research groups activities. Additionally, this research was partially supported by MEC projects Dinamed (CGL2005-05830-C03-02), Interbos (CGL2008-04503-CO3-02), and Encinut (AGL2006-12609-CO2-01) and co-financed by FEDER funds. The comments of two anonymous reviewers substantially improved the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento de Silvopascicultura, ETS Ingenieros de Montes, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, c/Ramiro de Maeztu s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain

    Juan A. Oliet

  2. Departamento de Ingeniería Forestal, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14071, Córdoba, Spain

    José M. Salazar & Eduardo Robredo

  3. Area de Ecología, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14071, Córdoba, Spain

    Rafael Villar

  4. Instituto de Recursos Naturales, Centro de Ciencias Medioambientales, CSIC, c/Serrano 115 dpdo., 28006, Madrid, Spain

    Fernando Valladares

  5. Departamento de Biologia y Geología, Escuela Superior de Ciencias Experimentales y Tecnología, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/Tulipán s/n, Móstoles, 28933, Madrid, Spain

    Fernando Valladares

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  1. Juan A. Oliet
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  2. José M. Salazar
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  3. Rafael Villar
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  4. Eduardo Robredo
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  5. Fernando Valladares
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Correspondence to Juan A. Oliet.

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Handling Editor: Erwin Dreyer

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Oliet, J.A., Salazar, J.M., Villar, R. et al. Fall fertilization of Holm oak affects N and P dynamics, root growth potential, and post-planting phenology and growth. Annals of Forest Science 68, 647–656 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13595-011-0060-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13595-011-0060-8

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