The use of fertilizers in the establishment phase of common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.).

Abstract

This trial reports on the effects of adding varying rates of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and lime to a newly planted stand of common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) on a lowland fertile mineral soil at Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford. The site is a moderately well drained loam over a clay loam, with a pH of 6.7 and phosphorus and potassium levels of 8.5 and 75 mg/kg soil respectively. Adding a range of fertilizers did not consistently improve height or diameter increment in anyone year of the six year establishment phase. In addition, foliar concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium assessed for the range of treatments did not differ significantly from those recorded for the treatment control. It is concluded that there is no need to add fertilizer during the establishment phase of common ash, when planted on a fertile lowland site.