Masters Degrees (Forest and Wood Science)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Forest and Wood Science) by Author "Buchler, K. (Konrad)"

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    Investigations of nutrient stress in some forestry areas of South Africa
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-03) Buchler, K. (Konrad); Ellis, F.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Agrisciences. Dept. of Forest and Wood Science.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: One of the greatest .limitations to the productivity of a plantation forest is poor nutrient status of the soil. Empirical application of corrective treatments are marginally successful in some cases, but because of limited understanding of the soiltree system, most nutritional problems go unnoticed or are accepted as a conceivable growth constraint. The aim of this investigation was to identify nutrient growth problems through field observations and to determine means of confirming these nutrient imbalances. Poor and abnormal growth of pine trees in the following areas were investigated: (i) The North Eastern Cape: Ugie and Maclear Districts (ii) The Natal Midlands: Mooi River area (iii) Mpumalanga: .Graskop and Kaapsche Hoop areas (iv) Southwestern Cape: Jonkershoek Plantation The study was conducted as nursery trials at the University of Stellenbosch and field trials at the various locations. Soils from the different regions were collected and used as growing media to test the growth response of five timber species (Pinus patula, P. elliottii, P. taeda, P. greggii and Eucalyptus nitens) under controlled conditions to various nutrient treatments. Indicator plants (cauliflower and soya) were included in these bio-assays. In the field trials nutrients were applied to seedlings and established stands of various ages by means of foliar and soil application. In the nursery trials and the trials where seedlings were planted in the field, plant performance was measured by quantitative means. The reaction of established stands to nutrient treatments were however less vigorous and qualitative means (e.g. colour changes) were used for assessment. Field observations in the North Eastern Cape and the Natal Midlands indicated possible boron, iron and molybdenum deficiencies and thus the work concentrates on these elements. Foliar and soil analyses reinforced these observations with marginal to deficient levels for boron and molybdenum being detected. The yellowing of foliage during the dry season was symptomatic of ineffective nitrogen assimilation and pointed to a molybdenum deficiency while seasonal growth tip dieback, resm exudation, sinuous tree limbs and bushy trees were classical boron deficiency symptoms. Potted trials indicated positive reaction to the application of boron and molybdenum deficiency symptoms were observed on indicator plants. Conclusive evidence of a boron deficiency in some of the pot trials, the planted field trials and the tree evaluation field trials remain elusive due to toxicity experienced as a result of an over-application of the nutrient. The occurrence of multiple deficiencies (phosphorous and calcium) further complicated the findings. The Mpumalanga observations indicated severe nutrient imbalance due to manganese toxicity (strong iron antagonism). The discolouring of the foliage on some sites towards the end of the winter was thought to be an induced molybdenum deficiency on the weathered and acidic red soils. Positive reaction to molybdenum application occurred in a single. tree evaluation trial, but because of soil oxidisation during collection, the effect of manganese toxicity was diluted in the pot trials. Foliar analyses indicated that foliar application of iron was unsuccessful and that other means should be considered to ensure uptake of this nutrient.