potassium impact on red pine (pinus resinosa) diameter and height growth
abstract
this thesis explores the relationship between the soil nutrient potassium and its
effect on red pine growth. this thesis summarizes existing knowledge on differing soils
impact on red pine and the lack of polymorphism. the importance of individual nutrient
effects on growth determines the overall effect and optimization of amelioration.
individual nutrient effects on red pine growth are not available for mature red pine
stands and are generally restricted to early growth. although soil texture is not a direct
influence on growth, nutrients in the soil impact growth behaviour. this study aims to
compare two similar red pine stands in northwestern ontario and determine the
statistical difference in diameter and height growth. stands height, diameter, and
mortality were cumulatively measured in previous years. the top 15 cm of soil in each
plot was measured and a motte® soil sample test was completed to determine the ph,
nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. the tree growth measurements were compared
with soil samples taken randomly in each plot with microsoft excel and spss. our
findings showed an increase of 17-22% in diameter, 18- 24% in height, and a decrease
of 11% for mortality. our results showed a significant correlation between increased
diameter and height growth with an increase in potassium levels. our study revealed that
red pine plantations could provide a higher amount of volume through the amelioration
of harvested stands.
collections
- undergraduate theses [325]