Applying foliar stoichiometric traits of plants to determine fertilization for a mixed pine-oak stand in the Qinling Mountains, China.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Chinese Natural Forest Protection program has been conducted nationwide and has achieved resounding success. However, timber importation has increased; therefore, producing more domestic timber is critical to meet the demand for raw materials. Fertilization is one of the most effective silviculture practices used to improve tree and stand growth. However, determining the appropriate type and amount of elements is necessary for effective fertilization of big timber in different forest types and environmental conditions. Stoichiometric theory provides the criteria to assess nutrient limitation in plants and offers important insight into fertilizer requirements of forested ecosystems.

Methods

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations in plants' leaves, miner

SUBMITTER: Hou L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5900931 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature