Fall fertilization during nursery production increases nitrogen status of Purshia tridentata seedlings: implications for outplanting

Abstract

During container nursery production of Purshia tridentata (antelope bitterbrush), we found that three fall fertilization applications successfully loaded plants with nitrogen (N) with little effect on plant biomass. Using 15N‐labeled fertilizer to track N movements, we observed that N‐loaded seedlings attained luxury consumption and ultimately translocated more N toward roots. In trees, such N‐loading efforts have been reported to increase seedling survival and growth after outplanting by improving initial root growth. This leads to enhanced access to water and nutrients that increases overall plant competitiveness and performance. Our results add, in general, to the paucity of information concerning fall fertilization of shrubs, and specifically that this technique offers promise to enhance the quality of antelope bitterbrush seedlings. This could improve overall planting success of this important shrub native to western United States rangelands. Increasing the effectiveness of planting antelope bitterbrush, which can often improve restoration trajectories more than direct seeding or reliance on natural regeneration of this species, could accelerate the pace and scope of critical habitat restoration. Restoration is needed as antelope bitterbrush abundance has been reduced across the landscape because of conversion to agriculture, invasion by nonnative annual grasses, and an increase in fire frequency and intensity, among other reasons. In addition, this species provides browse for ungulates and critical habitat for at‐risk species, such as Centrocercus urophasianus (greater sage‐grouse). Although N loading antelope bitterbrush has potential to improve outplanting performance, the resulting higher nutrient status of this preferred browse species may lead to elevated browsing during seedling establishment.

Responses of Soil and Vegetation Properties to Chemical Fertilization in Restoring Coal Gangue Hills in an Alpine Mining Area

“…Soil nitrogen and phosphorus supplements can effectively enhance seedling emergence, as nitrogen and phosphorus are functional elements. Adding these elements enhances the e ciency of soil nutrients, which is favorable for seed germination (Dumroese et al, 2023;Onwuchekwa-Henry et al, 2022). This aligns with the results of our study; the addition of nitrogen and phosphorus signi cantly in uenced seedling height and coverage, increased the number of reproductive shoots, and facilitated rapid seedling emergence once seeds had matured.…”

Responses of Soil and Vegetation Properties to Chemical Fertilization in Restoring Coal Gangue Hills in an Alpine Mining Area

“…Soil nitrogen and phosphorus supplements can effectively enhance seedling emergence, as nitrogen and phosphorus are functional elements. Adding these elements enhances the efficiency of soil nutrients, which is favorable for seed germination (Dumroese et al 2023;Onwuchekwa-Henry et al 2022). This aligns with the results of our study; the addition of nitrogen and phosphorus significantly influenced seedling height and coverage, increased the number of reproductive shoots, and facilitated rapid seedling emergence once seeds had matured.…”