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Winter branch nutrients in northern conifers and hardwoods

O. Hendrickson

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Forest Science

Volume

33

Issue

4

First Page

1068

Last Page

1074

Publication Date

1987

Abstract

Distributions of N, K, Ca, and Mg were examined in branch wood and bark of five common forest species growing in a mixed stand in central Ontario. Branches were divided into the following diameter classes (cm): 0.0-0.5, 0.5-1.5, 1.5-2.5, 2.5-5.0, and 5.0-7.5. Concentrations of nutrients in both wood and bark declined exponentially with branch diameter. Wood N concentrations declined more rapidly in hardwoods than in conifers. While K and Mg were strongly concentrated in branch tips, they did not vary significantly along the length of branches >1.5 cm diameter. Levels of Ca in bark did not vary along the entire length of the branch. Proportionately greater declines in nutrient concentrations were found in wood than in bark, indicating a higher degree of nutrient recycling during branch wood formation. Total branch nutrients were greater in hardwoods than in conifers, with higher amounts in hardwood bark more than compensating for the lack of foliage in winter. Although branch bark is the major nutrient reserve for spring growth in hardwoods, nutrients stored in wood may also be significant. For. Sci. 33(4):1068-1074.

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