Nitrogen productivity of some conifers

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Abstract
N productivity, expressed as annual yield of foliage per unit of N in the foliage, is recommended for interpreting responses to changes in N availability. The index can be directly coupled to growth and is well suited for application in mathematical analyses of tree or forest growth dynamics. The N productivity decreases predictably as biomass increases probably as a result of the reduction in irradiance as the canopy becomes more dense. For 5 spp. of conifers from northern latitudes (Picea abies Karst., Pseudotsuga menziesii Mirb. Franco, Pinus nigra var. maritima (Ait.) Melv., Pinus resinosa Ait. and Pinus sylvestris L.) N productivity decreased linearly with increasing needle biomass. For a particular species, these regressions allow for estimation of maximum needle biomass.
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