Long-Term Effects of Fertilization on Stem Form, Growth Relations, and Yield Estimates of Slash Pine

Washington D.C.

1989

S. 832-842

3 Abb., 5 Tab., 33 Lit. Ang.

Bandaufführung

7380

64478

The long-term effects of time-of-planting phosphorus (P) fertilization on stem form were evaluated in a 25-year-old slash pine plantation in north Florida. Cylindrical form factor (CFF), relative taper curves, the constant-stress principle of stem formation, and individual tree volume and biomass estimation equations were compared among treatments. Significant differences in CFF and taper existed between control and fertilized trees. Treatment-induced changes in crown size and accelerated tree and stand development may be responsible for these differences. Although statistically significant, alteration of stem form by fertilization was of minor importance relative to the accurate estimation of stand volume and weight. The cost and effort necessary to develop treatment-specific equations for quantifying fertilizer responses for slash pine on P-deficient sites appears unwarranted.