ABSTRACT:The results of a fifteen-year period of investigations conducted on Norway spruce in the upper plateau of the Jizerské hory Mts. were summarised. The objectives were to evaluate the growth performance of an experimental plantation under harsh environmental conditions and assess the effects of amendments as well as the influence of the forest site variability on growth performance and survival of young spruces. The following treatments were distinguished: (1) lower control, (2) limestone and (3) amphibolite treatments on a less exposed slope of the ridge and (4) upper control on a summit of the mountain ridge. Principle characteristics such as mortality rate, height, annual height increment, stem base diameter, crown diameter and nutritional status were summarized and evaluated. Significant differences between treatments were recorded in heights. The trees fertilized with amphibolite were significantly taller than the control ones in thirteen out of the fifteen evaluated years and the applied limestone improved heights in ten years out of the fifteen evaluated years. A positive effect of amphibolite treatment on stem base diameter was proved in three of the four assessed years and was persisting till 2007 (last measurement of this characteristic), the positive effect of limestone was lasting up to 2006. The considerable role of the site variability was apparent from a comparison between the upper and lower control although they were in a very close position to each other, growth increment of the spruces on the ridge was significantly lower. Temporarily lower N concentration was recorded in the fertilized treatments in comparison with their respective control. The concentration of P was low and decreased to the limit of deficiency in all treatments, P seems to be the most limiting macroelement in the area.
ABSTRACT:We evaluated the potential of crushed amphibolite and artificial slow-release N-P-K-Mg fertiliser to stimulate the survival, growth and nutrition of Norway spruce planted on an acidified air-polluted mountain site. Control plots and treatments with slow-release fertiliser (SRF) and amphibolite (AMT) were installed. In the SRF, forty grams of tabletted amendment were applied in the close vicinity of the trees. In the AMT, two kilograms of amendment were incorporated into the soil inside the planting hole of each tree at planting. The SRF application resulted in a significant growth stimulation of spruces. The growth stimulation by amphibolite was perceptible but not significant; this amendment, however, significantly reduced mortality. None of the amendments induced marked changes in foliar nutrient concentrations.
ABSTRACT:The organic matter produced and accumulated by plants is a crucial component in the ecosystems on environmentally disturbed sites. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of initial fertilising on the aboveground and belowground tree biomass of Norway spruce. The biomass amount, distribution and chemical composition were studied in a young spruce stand growing on an acidified mountain clear-cut tract. The fertilised trees accumulated a higher amount of tree biomass. They nonetheless showed lower concentrations of P, N, and K in some root compartments than control trees, which could be ascribed to a dilution effect. As for the aboveground compartments, no significant differences in element concentrations were proved.
The aims of the paper were as follows: (1) to assess the applicability of speckled alder for pioneer stands on the mountainous clear-cut tracts and (2) to evaluate the effects of slow-release fertilizer on the survival and growth of speckled alder under harsh environmental conditions. On the basis of seven-year results we can presume that speckled alder is a convenient pioneer species that can be cultivated on harsh mountain sites where the climatic extremes need to be alleviated and a layer of surface humus renewed. The initial slow-release fertilization is, nonetheless, highly desirable. As contrasted to the control the surface and planting hole applications of amendment reduced the total seven-year mortality rate by 9.5% and 20.1%, respectively, and the periodic annual height increment (2003–2009) was promoted by 47% and 59%, respectively. Analogous results were obtained when the values of basal stem diameter and crown diameter were compared. As for the method of application, the placement of the slow-release amendment in the planting holes seems to be more efficient mainly in terms of survival promoting. The surface application is, nonetheless, less laborious and also yielded satisfactory results.
An experiment with seedlings of Alnus viridis was established on a clear-felled tract situated on a summit tableland of the Jizerské hory Mts. (central Europe, Czech Republic) at an altitude of 980 m a.s.l. The aims of the experiment were (i) to evaluate the response of A. viridis to the application of a basic mixture containing crushed limestone and amphibolite and (ii) to assess the growth potential of the species in a poor acidic site under climatically harsh conditions. Alnus viridis showed a good growth performance and survival rate, its initial response to fertilization was positive. The height growth and expansion of crowns were slightly but significantly stimulated by the treatment, the survival rate was also increased, though not significantly. The amendment application temporarily increased the foliar Ca and Mg concentrations. The content of foliar P, of the most deficient macroelement, was not improved by the treatment. However, the positive effect of fertilization was short-lasting and unconvincing from the aspect of practical use. In the second half of the reference period the control started to gain on the fertilized variant and as for mean height and crown diameter, both variants got almost equalized eight growing seasons after the treatment.
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