Mires and Peat

an online journal jointly published by imcg and ips

Volume 3 (2008): Article 11 

Fertiliser addition is important for tree growth on cut-over peatlands in eastern Canada.

by G. Caisse, S. Boudreau, A.D. Munson and L. Rochefort

Published online: 23.12.2008

Summary
Fertilisation is considered essential for tree growth on cut-over peatlands. However, little research has been
carried out on these managed ecosystems in North America. Two experiments were conducted on peatlands
planted with black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill B.S.P.) and tamarack (Larix laricina (Du Roi) K. Koch). The
first experiment compared the efficiency of six different localised and soil-incorporated fertilisers, applied at
planting time, in promoting the growth and survival of seedlings. A second experiment evaluated the
nutritional needs of previously established black spruce and tamarack plantations that exhibited stagnating
growth. Growth and survival of black spruce seedlings were best improved with the commercial Forest
Pak^TM fertiliser (2N-0.5P-0.7K g per plant), whilst for tamarack the optimum was reached with an
experimental formulation fertiliser (7N-3P-5K g per plant). Spot fertilisation with granulated PK fertiliser
(0N-3.1P-5.7K g per plant) led to lower success for both species. For re-fertilisation, the shortage of
phosphorus was the most growth-limiting factor for both tree species. Tamarack showed a beneficial
response to a complementary application of potassium, whereas for black spruce the application of nitrogen
and potassium in addition to phosphorous induced an additional growth increase.

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Citation

Caisse, G., Boudreau, S., Munson, A.D. & Rochefort, L. (2008): Fertiliser addition is important for tree growthon cut-over peatlands in eastern Canada. Mires and Peat 3: Art. 11. (Online: http://www.mires-and-peat.net/map03/map_03_11.htm) 

Reviewers     

IMCG and IPS acknowledge the work of the reviewers.

Last update: 01.01.2010		www.mires-and-peat.net
Key title: Mires and Peat	ISSN 1819-754X	Abbreviated key title: Mires Peat