The short-term effects of fertilization on loblolly pine photosynthesis and biomass

Abstract

The physiological processes in loblolly pine leading to enhanced growth in response to fertilization have not been clearly established. We tracked net photosynthesis (P_n), height, basal diameter, and volume changes in loblolly pine seedlings in response to fertilization during the entire 2004 growing season. P_n measurements were conducted prior to fertilization and after fertilization in early May. The seedlings that received fertilization showed an increase in P_n rates above the controls for most of the growing season. Also, the fertilized seedlings had height, basal diameter, and volume increases of 10, 13, and 34 percent over the unfertilized seedlings. We conclude that fertilization led to an initial increase in P_n rates, which helped create extra photoassimilate to be used in building larger leaf areas, which in turn led to more above ground biomass.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 13th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference

Citation

King, Nathan; Seiler, John; Fox, Thomas R.; Johnsen, Kurt. 2006. The short-term effects of fertilization on loblolly pine photosynthesis and biomass. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-92. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pp. 113-116