Fertilizer effects on LAI and growth of four Eucalyptus nitens plantations
2003; Elsevier BV; Volume: 176; Issue: 1-3 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/s0378-1127(02)00226-8
ISSN1872-7042
AutoresP. J. Smethurst, Craig Baillie, Maria Cherry, Greg Holz,
Tópico(s)Leaf Properties and Growth Measurement
ResumoLeaf area index (LAI) is a key driver of water and nutrient use, carbon balance, and the rate of growth of plantation forests, but these interactions can be environment-dependent. Our aim was to determine the relationship between LAI and stem growth in four 5–8-year-old Eucalyptus nitens plantations and its dependence on site and fertilization. Fertilizers were applied at various intervals between planting and age 6 years at cumulative rates that ranged from 0 to 1600 kg N ha−1 and 0 to 700 kg P ha−1. Stem growth and LAI were monitored for 2 years. Values of LAI ranged from 1.4 to 9.6, and temporal variations in LAI were small. Fertilization increased LAI by up to 3.1 units. There was a strong relationship across all sites and treatments between initial LAI and growth, and predictions using LAI were more precise than those using basal area as the independent variable.
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