Use of biofuel ashes for fertilisation of Betula pendula seedlings on nutrient-poor peat soil

Ground vegetation has a major role in element dynamics in an ash-fertilized cut-away peatland

“…The data analyzed in this study. b The data from literature (Mandre et al, 2010;Nieminen et al, 2007;Ozolinčius et al, 2007;Perkiömäki et al 2003;Reimann et al, 2008).…”

“…Prior to spreading, the element contents of wood-and peat-ash were analyzed (Table 1) in the laboratory of the Finnish Forest Research Institute (Metla) in Muhos. Literature data was also used to compare the differences between wood-and peat-ash (Perkiömäki et al, 2003;Nieminen et al, 2007;Ozolinčius et al, 2007;Reimann et al, 2008;Mandre et al, 2010). The application rates of moistened ashes were adjusted to correspond to 50 kg ha −1 of phosphorus (P), as recommended for peatlands drained for forestry (Paavilainen and Päivänen, 1995).…”

“…The main concern in regard to the use of wood-ash as a forest fertilizer is the cadmium (Cd) content (Pasanen et al, 2001;Kepanen et al, 2005;Reimann et al, 2008). In contrast to wood-ash, peat-ash contains less harmful heavy metals, but it is poorer in mineral nutrients, especially potassium (K) (Hytönen, 2003;Nieminen et al, 2005;Mandre et al, 2010). Although studies have shown that pure wood-ash can be used as a fertilizer on peatland forests without any significant negative impact on the environment (Lodenius, 2003;Moilanen et al, 2006;Saarsalmi et al, 2006;Solla-Gullon et al, 2006;Omil et al, 2007), the amount of recycled wood-ash is still insignificant.…”

“…and willow species (Salix spp.) (Lumme, 1988;Hytönen, 1998;Park et al, 2005;Mandre et al, 2010). The post-application effects on ground vegetation have often been disregarded, in spite of the important role of this plant group in the formation of litter and subsequent nutrient cycling in tree stands.…”

Hybridisation, Introgression and Phylogeography of Icelandic Birch

“…In Europe, silver birch (B. pendula) and downy birch (B. pubescens) probably produce the most valuable hardwood timber for the northern regions of Europe, including Scandinavia, Finland, Russia and the Baltic countries. Recent studies on these species include modelling and analysis of the growth and structure of forests and plantations (Hynynen et al 2010;Kund et al 2010;Lintunen et al 2011); measuring and managing nutrient availability, retranslocation and fertilization (Mandre et al 2010;Ruuhola et al 2011); regeneration and seedling recruitment (Luostarinen et al 2009;Sanz et al 2011). In North America, paper birch (B. papyrifera), the medium-sized and fast-growing tree that forms pure stands or is otherwise found in mixed hardwood-conifer forests, is the most widely distributed birch species, especially in Canada.…”