Upland Oak Response to Fertilization With Nitrogen, Phosphorus, And Calcium

Abstract

N, Ca, and P fertilizers were applied to a 50-year-old upland oak stand located on a Dekalb sandy loam soil in the Allegheny Plateau region of central Pennsylvania. Additions of 60 and 180 lb N per acre significantly increased the diameter increment of white oak ( Quercus alba L.) and scarlet oak ( Quercus coccinea Muenchh.). Addition of 1000 lb Ca per acre as Ca(OH) 2 also increased diameter growth in both species. Added phosphorus had no measurable influence. The combination of nitrogen and calcium additions increased stand volume increment more than 40 percent. This increase in growth was associated with increased nitrogen content of foliage and of litter following leaf fall. The height growth of understory red maple ( Acer rubrum L.) seedlings was stimulated by both N and Ca, but not by P. Nitrogen and Ca in foliage of witch hazel ( Hamamelis virginiana L.) and teaberry ( Gaultheria procumbens L.) were significantly increased by N and Ca additions. The increased quantity and quality of the browse plants indicated a substantial improvement in the carrying capacity for white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ). Forest Sci. 16:113-120.