Response of a Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) stand to application of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and lime. 1. Soil data

Abstract

In 1985-1988, a 25-y-old Scots pine forest was limed and fertilized with P, K and Mg in an experiment with five liming levels. In this paper the effects on nutrients in the forest floor and mineral soil are discussed to serve as a basis for the explanation of foliar nutrient concentrations and tree performance. Of all treatments, liming showed the widest array of effects, especially in the forest floor. Liming removed extractable K and Mg from the forest floor probably by exchange against Ca. The residence time of added P and possibly Mg in the forest floor was increased by liming, probably by a reduced solubility of the added fertilizers. Added K was poorly retained in the forest floor. -from Authors