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Growth of Red Oak (Quercus Rubra L.) Seedlings in Relation to Light and Nutrients
Author(s) -
Phares Robert E.
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.144
H-Index - 294
eISSN - 1939-9170
pISSN - 0012-9658
DOI - 10.2307/1934157
Subject(s) - understory , nutrient , human fertilization , seedling , fertilizer , botany , biology , blue light , red light , dry weight , agronomy , horticulture , ecology , canopy , physics , optics
Growth and nutrient uptake of red oak seedlings were studied under conditions simulating a forest understory. The tallest seedlings grew in 30% of full light; seedlings in full light had the greatest dry weight accumulation. Seedlings in full light had an average height of 9.7 inches, and those at 30% and 10% light averaged 12.9 and 8.8 inches respectively. Only seedlings in 30% or more light responded in height growth to an NPK fertilizer. Seedlings in 10% light accumulated nutrients, but showed no growth response to fertilization. Thus, fertilization did not lower the minimum light requirements.