N+P fertilization for forest productivity and biodiversity

Summary

Nitrogen (N) fertilization has been shown to increase biomass production by 25–50% in boreal forests. However, N fertilization in boreal forests often induces secondary nutrient limitation, especially of phosphorus (P). The resulting nutrient imbalance can cascade through the ecosystem, affecting tree growth, nutrient cycling, and plant and soil communities. Understanding how P additions modify the functioning of N-fertilized forests is therefore essential. The objective of the study is to evaluate how combined N and P fertilization affects tree growth, soil carbon stocks, soil fungal community, and understory vegetation diversity in Scots pine stands.

fungal diversity soil carbon tree growth