J. For. Sci., 2006, 52(20):S52-S57 | DOI: 10.17221/10160-JFS
Fertilizing and liming in a heather area of Norway
- Lutelandet, Korssund, Norway
In a 6 years' field experiment in a podzolized heather area in Norway the effects of liming and P and Cu fertilization were tested versus changes in vegetation and soil chemistry. The vegetation altered slowly, particularly the woody species, but pronounced over years. Liming had a positive effect on all species except Deschampsia flexuosa and Vaccinium myrtillus, P tended to favour all except V. myrtillus, and Cu promoted all except Nardus stricta, V. oliginosum and V. myrtillus. Surface spreading of liming material and fertilizers caused distinct lime, phosphorus and copper effects and interactions in the soil litter layer. Liming markedly increased pH and Ca level and stimulated microbial activity, whilst the fertilizers increased P and Cu availability in soil. Cu fertilization counteracted a feared Cu deficiency when liming marginal soils. Gradually the changes penetrated into deeper soil layers. This strong chemical influence led the podzol into a cambisol cycle, characterized by retention of humus in the E layer, accompanied by a slight increase in pH, elevated levels of Kjeldahl-N, AL dissolved and exchangeable Ca, and in CEC and BS.
Keywords: heather; liming; fertilization; phosphorus; copper; vegetation; podzol; soil chemistry
Published: December 31, 2006 Show citation
References
- ERSTAD K.J., STEFFENSEN I.K., 1999. Vegetasjonsendringar frå lyng til urter og gras ved kalking og gjødsling med råfosfat og kopparsulfat, og verknader på mineralstatus i plantar og jord, Gjesdalen i Jølster, 1991-1996. (Changes in vegetation from heather to herbs and grasses by liming and fertilization with raw phosphate and copper sulfate, and influence on mineral status in plants and soil, Gjesdalen in Jølster, 1991-1996) (in Norwegian). Planteforsk Rapport 25/1999: 84.
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