Fertilization of conifer plantations.

Abstract

Tree growth in old plantations on various soil types can often be increased by a temporary improvement of the nutrient economy of the soil (4, 7, 13, 14, 15, 20, 26, 28), but fertilization of young plantations is much more important. Appropriate fertilization can temporarily or permanently stimulate growth, resulting in earlier closure of canopy, reduced susceptibility to various influences and a decrease in the risks to which young trees are exposed (22, 26). Research in this field is not complete, but some general recommendations for practical use of fertilizers can nevertheless be made.