Effect of root competition and nitrogen on growth and mineral content of Abiesfraseri

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Three-year-old (3+0) Fraser fir seedlings (Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.) were grown in a controlled-environment chamber under four N regimes, with and without root competition from orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) or white clover (Trifolium repens L.). New shoot, stem, and root growth of Fraser fir were harvested 30, 60, and 90 days after budbreak. In the absence of root competition, dry weight and N content increased in a significant curvilinear manner with increasing N. With root competition, dry weight decreased linearly with increasing N, while N content increased linearly with increasing N levels. Responses of P and K content varied with seedling part. Ca content was not affected by root competition, while Mg content decreased in all seedling parts for trees grown with root competition. Orchard grass decreased growth and nutrient accumulation more than white clover.
Keywords