Fertilization Failed to Make Positive Effects on Torreya grandis in Severe N-Deposition Subtropics

Abstract

In managed orchards, fertilization brings out not only high productivity expectations but also severe environmental pollution. Because economic profit takes priority over environmental cost, increasing amounts of fertilizer have been used in mature subtropical Torreya grandis orchards. However, given the magnitude of global nitrogen deposition, it’s worth considering whether heavy fertilizer treatment is necessary. To elucidate the balance between T. grandis nutrient demands and fertilizer supply, we determined the C, N, and P concentrations of foliar and soil ([C], [N], [P]) at 9 orchards undergoing long-term fertilizer treatments in two scenarios of N and N + P addition with different intensity. After documenting the dynamic variation of plant growth, nutrients characteristic, and the corresponding resorption efficiency, we found that excessive N addition interfered T. grandis’ sensibility to P availability in this N-enrichment area, leading to an increasing foliar [P] and resorption efficiency (PRE) and decoupling plant C:N:P ratios. As a result, enhanced fertilizer supply failed to improve carbon accumulation, plant growth, and yield effectively. These results demonstrate that extra fertilization in the N-saturated study area highly reduced the economic and ecological efficiency of fertilizers. Thus, our research suggests that N addition in the studied orchards should be rejected, and we recommend organic management as a more conducive method to achieve sustainable development.

Effect of Reduced Nitrogen Fertilization on the Chemical and Biological Traits of Soils under Maize Crops

“…Soil is the main medium for plant growth, germination, and development, and fertilization helps both plants and microorganisms to grow in the soil environment. However, the increase in the use of fertilizers on farm fields over the past 50 years has contributed to increased yields but also caused serious environmental problems [1][2][3][4][5]. Consequently, one of the main goals of the European Commission's "Farm to Folk" strategy, which was recently adopted to ensure a sustainable food value chain, is to reduce fertilizer use by at least 20% by 2030.…”

The Application of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Regulate the Growth and Morphological Development of Torreya grandis (Taxaceae) Saplings

“…Moreover, its economic benefits have the potential to endure for centuries or even millennia. Additionally, it contributes to ecological conservation by promoting soil and water preservation, regulating the climate, and safeguarding biodiversity [32]. Although the cultivated area of T. grandis has expanded in recent years, the lack of precise forest management due to variations in geographical environments, climate conditions, sapling cultivation methods, and maintenance practices in different planting regions has resulted in the inconsistent growth quality of T. grandis saplings, thereby affecting their subsequent cultivation efficiency.…”

Effect of Reduced Nitrogen Fertilization Recommended by the EC "From Field to Table" Strategy on the Chemical and Biological Traits of Soils under Maize Crops

“…An inspiration for undertaking the current study were the latest scientific reports clearly indicating that the soil ecosystem is under threat due to over-fertilization [1][2][3][4]. It should be mentioned that the increase in the use of fertilizers on farm fields over the past 50 years has led not only to increased yields but also to serious environmental problems.…”