Fertilizer combinations benefit diameter growth of plantation black walnut

Abstract

The diameter at breast height (dbh) growth of black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) trees in an 18‐year‐old plantation was measured over 4 years to determine the effect of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilization separately, in combination, and with and without phosphorus (P), broadcast annually at two rates. Trees in treatments containing N had significantly better dbh growth than trees in other treatments. However, doubling the application rate of 310 kg ha^‐1 of N and P and 490 kg ha^‐1 of K had no significant effect on dbh growth. There was a positive significant correlation for leaf N and dbh growth. The significant negative correlation between leaf P and dbh growth suggests that soil P concentrations may be less than the amount needed for accelerated dbh growth.