Book Description

Pinus elliottii Engelm. var. seedlings were selected from 10 seed sources in the eastern and central portions of the natural range of the species. They were grown for 2 years in potted flatwoods soil under six fertilization treatments: two levels of phosphorus (P), all essential nutrients (E) except P, two levels of E plus P, and unfertilized controls. The seedlings differed in growth and nutrient absorption. Trees from coastal seed sources grew slower, especially when unfertilized or fertilized with E or E+P, and accumulated the least amount of nutrients when unfertilized. As long as other nutrients were not limiting, seedlings from middle coastal plain sources grew more rapidly than those from flatwoods sources under conditions of low available P. Large growth increases resulted from fertilization. Phosphorus alone had no effect on tree growth, but the E fertilization treatment significantly increased tree growth. the combined fertilizers, E+P, resulted in greatest growth and nutrient absorption. Phosphorus fertilization resulted in significant decreases in N and K contents, both in foliage and in total seedling.