Effects of different fertilizers on growth and nutrient uptake in Cryptomeria fortunei seedling

ObjectiveEffects of different fertilizers on Cryptomeria fortunei seedlings growth and nutrient uptake were studied, in order to provide reference for customizing fertilization measures for strong seedlings and plantation manage-ment.MethodRandomized block experiment was applied to potted C. fortunei seedlings with four different treatments, namely no fertilizers (CK,treatment 1), sulfate granulated fertilizer (treatment 2), steam granulated fertilizer (treatment 3) and organic fertilizer(treatment 4). Seedling height, ground diameter, partial dry matters in upper ground and under-ground, nutrient content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, hydrolytic available Phosphorus and available Potassium in the soil were measured after one year. ResultData of growth situation and nutrient contents of all treated C. fortunei seedlings varied greatly, but all were higher than those of CK(P<0.01) Among all the seedlings, those treated with treatment 2 showed highest height and biggest ground diameter, 24.4% and 40.7% higher than those of CK respectively. Seedlings contained highest content of plant dry matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium under treatment 3, 216.0%, 119.4%,192.0%,198.8%higher than those of CK respectively. Available nutrient content of pot soil under treatment 4 was significantly higher than that under the other treatments (P<0.05). ConclusionApplication of sulfate granulated fertilizer shortens the time before C. fortunei seedlings growing into qualified ones and being transplanted out of nursery. With treat-ment of steam granulated fertilizer, C. fortunei seedlings are more suitable for plantation in windy areas where seedlings are easily damaged by wind organic fertilizer can activate nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in soil and increase contents of available nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium.