Estimates of Nutrient Drain by Dormant-Season Harvests of Coppice American Sycamore

Abstract

Estimates of the amount of nutrients removed by dormant-season harvests of coppice American sycamore indicated that harvesting once (at age 4) or twice (at ages 2 and 4) removed 20-145 kg/ha of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg and small quantities of Mn, Zn, Fe, and Cu. Calculations of nutrient drain indicated that for N, gains through natural processes about equal losses, but losses exceeded gains for P and K. However, on the fertile Mississippi River floodplain site used in the experiment, drain does not appear to be serious. Nutrient drain was not detectable by analysis of soil samples taken at the beginning and end of the study. On less fertile Coastal Plain soils, drain may be significant, requiring fertilization to maintain site productivity.

Citation

Blackmon, B.G. 1979. Estimates of Nutrient Drain by Dormant-Season Harvests of Coppice American Sycamore. Res. Note SO-245. New Orleans, LA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station. 5 p.