The effects of fertilizers on early growth and foliar nutrient concentrations of three plantation eucalypts on high quality sites in Gippsland, Southeastern Australia

Abstract

Fertilizer trials of a standard design were established in experimental plantations of Eucalyptus regnans, Eucalyptus nitens and Eucalyptus globulus on sites of high potential productivity in Gippsland, southeastern Australia. The design involved factorial combinations of three rates of N (up to 400 kg ha-1 elemental) and four rates of P (up to 200 kg ha-1) with four additional treatments including K and trace elements. Treatments were complete after up to four applications at 2, 9, 14 and 26 months post- planting. P additions significantly increased foliar P concentrations and growth of E. regnans to 45 months but poor survival and competition from woody weeds limited growth responses to tr..