Biomass, nutrient content and distribution in a stand of Sitka spruce.

  • M.L. Carey Forest and Wildlife Service, Sidmonton Place, Bray, Co. Wicklow.
  • D. O'Brien Forest and Wildlife Service, Sidmonton Place, Bray, Co. Wicklow.
Keywords: Soil nutrients, nutrient uptake, nutrient content, silviculture, Sitka spruce, Picea sitchensis, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium.

Abstract

The annual uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by an unthinned 33 year old crop of Sitka spruce was estimated by destructive sampling of eight trees. Extrapolation of their nutrient contents to the total crop gave estimates of 81kg N, 4kg P and 15kg K. Although the stemwood and bark accounted for half of the total dry matter production they only contained 17, 14 and 36 per cent of the total quantities of N, P and K present in the crop and forest floor, the main bulk of the nutrients being in the needles and branches.
Published
1979-11-01
How to Cite
Carey, M. and O’Brien, D. (1979) “Biomass, nutrient content and distribution in a stand of Sitka spruce.”, Irish Forestry. Available at: https://journal.societyofirishforesters.ie/index.php/forestry/article/view/9430 (Accessed: 20April2024).
Issue
Vol. 36, No. 1, 1979
Section
Articles