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Background and aims <p>Boron (B) deficiency is widespread in boreal forests, but it can be prevented by fertilization. As B deficiency reduces root growth, it may affect the uptake of other nutrients. We assessed the persistence of the effects of a one-time B application on growth and nutrition of Norway spruce (<i>Picea abies</i>).</p> Methods <p>A single-tree B-fertilization experiment was established in a highly productive stand in eastern Finland in 2000 and followed until 2018. The applied B dose was 2&#xa0;kg&#xa0;ha<sup>−1</sup>.</p> Results <p>After 19 growing seasons, height growth was higher in B-fertilized trees and the effect was not waning. Diameter growth was not affected. The mean needle-B concentration without B fertilizer was 1.7&#xa0;mg&#xa0;kg<sup>−1</sup> and with B-fertilizer, 4.8&#xa0;mg&#xa0;kg<sup>−1</sup>. Boron-fertilized trees had higher foliar aluminium (Al), carbon (C), copper (Cu) and sulfur (S) concentrations, and lower soluble silicon (Si).</p> Conclusions <p>The positive B effect on growth persisted after 19&#xa0;years. Boron concentrations remained higher in fertilized trees, although lower than at the early stages of the experiment. Boron fertilization maintained Cu and S levels above deficiency limits. The small but consistent change in C indicates a change in needle compounds. Increased Al may result from reduced Si accumulation, as Al co-deposition with Si alleviates Al toxicity. Further studies are required to optimize B-fertilization practices and to elucidate the mechanisms behind the effects on height growth and the levels of other elements. A combination of soluble and sparingly soluble fertilizers could further increase the duration of the effect.</p>

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Boron fertilization in a boreal Norway spruce forest: long-lasting effects on growth and nutrition

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年1月16日

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  • Arttu Vartiainen,
  • Vijay D. Bhatt,
  • Pedro J. Aphalo,
  • Timo Pukkala,
  • Mikko Räisänen,
  • Jouni Kilpeläinen,
  • Henrik Heräjärvi,
  • Antti Haapala,
  • Tarja Lehto

摘要

Background and aims

Boron (B) deficiency is widespread in boreal forests, but it can be prevented by fertilization. As B deficiency reduces root growth, it may affect the uptake of other nutrients. We assessed the persistence of the effects of a one-time B application on growth and nutrition of Norway spruce (Picea abies).

Methods

A single-tree B-fertilization experiment was established in a highly productive stand in eastern Finland in 2000 and followed until 2018. The applied B dose was 2 kg ha−1.

Results

After 19 growing seasons, height growth was higher in B-fertilized trees and the effect was not waning. Diameter growth was not affected. The mean needle-B concentration without B fertilizer was 1.7 mg kg−1 and with B-fertilizer, 4.8 mg kg−1. Boron-fertilized trees had higher foliar aluminium (Al), carbon (C), copper (Cu) and sulfur (S) concentrations, and lower soluble silicon (Si).

Conclusions

The positive B effect on growth persisted after 19 years. Boron concentrations remained higher in fertilized trees, although lower than at the early stages of the experiment. Boron fertilization maintained Cu and S levels above deficiency limits. The small but consistent change in C indicates a change in needle compounds. Increased Al may result from reduced Si accumulation, as Al co-deposition with Si alleviates Al toxicity. Further studies are required to optimize B-fertilization practices and to elucidate the mechanisms behind the effects on height growth and the levels of other elements. A combination of soluble and sparingly soluble fertilizers could further increase the duration of the effect.