Factors limiting tree growth on peat soils - an investigation into the nutrient status of two peatland plantations.

  • R.E. Parker Botany Department, The Queen's University of Belfast.
Keywords: Foliage analysis, nutrient deficiency, microbial decomposition, bog vegetation, peatlands, peat soils, soil nutrients, peat nutrients, silviculture.

Abstract

The application of the technique of foliage analysis to two representative peatland plantations in Northern Ireland has permitted the firm diagnosis of nitrogen deficiencies and the less firm diagnosis of deficiencies of phosphorus and potassium. It is suggested that the correlation between the N and P contents of the tree foliage, and the correlation between these and tree height over the whole tree height range, is determined by the rate of microbial decomposition of organic matter in the peat soil. It is also suggested that the rate of this decomposition is the main factor limiting tree growth on these sites. The results for K are consistent with the hypothesis that at the time of planting a high proportion of the site K is contained within the living bog vegetation. The analysis of the peat soils has indicated the marked depletion of peat nutrients (N, P, and K) by tree growth associated with a current fall in growth rate of the larger trees on one site. The peat on this site has a much higher Ca content; the possible significance of this is discussed...
Published
1962-11-01
How to Cite
Parker, R. (1962) “Factors limiting tree growth on peat soils - an investigation into the nutrient status of two peatland plantations. ”, Irish Forestry. Available at: https://journal.societyofirishforesters.ie/index.php/forestry/article/view/8964 (Accessed: 28March2024).
Section
Articles