Fertilization Failed to Make Positive Effects on Torreya grandis in Severe N-Deposition Subtropics

Yini Han, G. Geoff Wang, Tonggui Wu, Wenjing Chen, Yongliang Ji and Songheng Jin
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Yini Han: Jiyang College, Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji 311800, China
G. Geoff Wang: Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
Tonggui Wu: East China Coastal Forest Ecosystem Long-Term Research Station, Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Hangzhou 311400, China
Wenjing Chen: Jiyang College, Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji 311800, China
Yongliang Ji: Jiyang College, Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji 311800, China
Songheng Jin: Jiyang College, Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji 311800, China

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 17, 1-14

Abstract: In managed orchards, fertilization brings out not only high productivity expectations but also severe environmental pollution. Because economic profit takes priority over environmental cost, increasing amounts of fertilizer have been used in mature subtropical Torreya grandis orchards. However, given the magnitude of global nitrogen deposition, it’s worth considering whether heavy fertilizer treatment is necessary. To elucidate the balance between T. grandis nutrient demands and fertilizer supply, we determined the C, N, and P concentrations of foliar and soil ([C], [N], [P]) at 9 orchards undergoing long-term fertilizer treatments in two scenarios of N and N + P addition with different intensity. After documenting the dynamic variation of plant growth, nutrients characteristic, and the corresponding resorption efficiency, we found that excessive N addition interfered T. grandis ’ sensibility to P availability in this N-enrichment area, leading to an increasing foliar [P] and resorption efficiency (PRE) and decoupling plant C:N:P ratios. As a result, enhanced fertilizer supply failed to improve carbon accumulation, plant growth, and yield effectively. These results demonstrate that extra fertilization in the N-saturated study area highly reduced the economic and ecological efficiency of fertilizers. Thus, our research suggests that N addition in the studied orchards should be rejected, and we recommend organic management as a more conducive method to achieve sustainable development.

Keywords: Torreya grandis; nitrogen enrichment; long-term fertilizer treatments; phosphorus limitation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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