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Nutrient content of fertilized deer browse in Maine

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of Wildlife Management

Volume

38

Issue

3

First Page

517

Last Page

524

Publication Date

1974

Abstract

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were applied singly and in combinations on a recently cut forested area in Sebec, Maine, in June 1971. Selected vegetation was analyzed for nutrient content in April, August, and December 1971. Levels of available crude protein and phosphorus in untreated browse species barely met or were slightly below levels suggested as optimum for growth and development of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Nitrogen fertilization caused significantly higher (P ≦ 0.05) crude protein levels in treated vegetation. Phosphorus fertilization resulted in variable phosphorus uptake by plants, and potassium fertilization had little effect on potassium levels in the selected vegetation. Calcium-phosphorus ratios in twigs were greater than those found in foliage, and phosphorus fertilization did not consistently reduce these ratios. In vitro digestion trials showed no consistent changes in digestibility due to fertilization. Nevertheless, significant differences in digestibility were found between balsam fir (Abies balsamea), red maple (Acer rubrum), and beaked hazel (Corylus cornuta). Balsam fir had the highest percent digestible dry matter.

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