Determining Soil Nutrient Requirements For Growing Hybrid Poplar
Hangs, R. D., K. J. Greer, K. C. J. Van Rees and W. R. Schroeder . 2007. Soil and Crops
Abstract
Under conditions of adequate soil moisture, reductions in the early growth of tree
seedlings mainly are attributable to soil nutrient limitations. Monitoring soil nutrient availability,
therefore,is important for ensuring optimal tree nutrition and promoting successful seedling
establishment and growth. Notwithstanding the importance of routine soil testing practices in
supporting annual crop production, less than 10 % of the fields in western Canada currently are
managed based on annual soil testing practices. Consequently, producers see limited utility in
the fertilizer recommendations provided to them based on conventional soil tests. The objective
of this three-year study was to measure nutrient supply rates at several hybrid poplar plantations
in northern Saskatchewan, using in situ burials of ion-exchange membrane (Plant Root
Simulator™-probes), and relate these data to plantation productivity during the early
establishment phase. Determining the relationship between soil nutrient supply rates and
seedling growth should help to support effective management strategies, in terms of proper site
selection and elucidating possible fertilizer requirements.
Key Words
hybrid poplar, nutrient supply rate, Plant Root Simulator™-probes, soil testing
