Fertilization Increases Growth of Sawlog-Size Yellow-Poplar and Red Oak in West Virginia

Abstract

Sawlog-size even-aged hardwood stands in north-central West Virginia were fertilized with N, P, and K, singly and in combinations. Applications of N alone increased the annual basal area growth of yellow-poplar more than that of red oak during the first 7 years after fertilization, whereas P alone increased the annual basal area growth of red oak more than that of yellow-poplar. NP did not stimulate the growth of yellow-poplar more than did N alone and did not increase the growth of red oak more than did P alone. The 7-year cumulative basal area growth of yellow poplar was increased 34 percent by N, while that of red oak was increased 20 percent by P. NPK usually increased the growth of both species over that of the control trees, but usually not more than that of N or P, singly or combined. N fertilization could increase the 7-year volume growth of pure stands of sawlog-size yellow-poplar by about 30 percent in this region.

Citation

Lamson, N. I. 1978. Fertilization Increases Growth of Sawlog-Size Yellow-Poplar and Red Oak in West Virginia. Res. Pap. NE-403. Broomall, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 6p.