Effects of fertilisation on biomass of Norway spruce on a harsh mountain site

Abstract

The organic matter produced and accumulated by plants is a crucial component in the ecosystems on environmentally disturbed sites. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of initial fertilising on the aboveground and belowground tree biomass of Norway spruce. The biomass amount, distribution and chemical composition were studied in a young spruce stand growing on an acidified mountain clear-cut tract. The fertilised trees accumulated a higher amount of tree biomass. They nonetheless showed lower concentrations of P, N, and K in some root compartments than control trees, which could be ascribed to a dilution effect. As for the aboveground compartments, no significant differences in element concentrations were proved.

Keywords

• picea abies
• fertilization
• nutrient pools
• nutrient concentrations
• biomass model