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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #381615
Research Project: Enhancing Production and Ecosystem Services of Horticultural and Agricultural Systems in the Southeastern United States

Location: Soil Dynamics Research

Title: Influence of industrial forest residue applications on Pinus taeda: soil, litter, growth, nutrition, and wood quality characteristics

Author
item PEREIRA, MILENA - Iguaçu Cellulose And Paper
item BASSACO, MARCOS - Universidade Federal Do Parana
item MOTTA, ANTONIO - Federal University Of Parana Polytechnic Center
item MAEDA, SHIZUO - Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA)
item Prior, Stephen - Steve
item MARQUES, RENATO - Federal University Of Parana Polytechnic Center
item MAGRI, EDERLAN - Federal University Of Parana Polytechnic Center
item BOGNOLA, ITAMAR - Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA)
item GOMES, JOAO - Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA)

Submitted to: New Forests
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/13/2021
Publication Date: 1/1/2023
Citation: Pereira, M., Bassaco, M.V., Motta, A.C., Maeda, S., Prior, S.A., Marques, R., Magri, E., Bognola, I.A., Gomes, J.B. 2023. Influence of industrial forest residue applications on Pinus taeda: soil, litter, growth, nutrition, and wood quality characteristics. New Forests. 54:83-106. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-021-09902-w.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-021-09902-w

Interpretive Summary: The application of paper industry wastes to sites used to establish Pinus taeda plantations is an alternative to landfilling. Applying pulp industry residue as a nutrient source is a form of recycling that could favor tree growth on low fertility soils while contributing to more sustainable management. Residue applications enhanced P. taeda productivity as reflected by increased tree diameter and consequent gains in tree volume. Observed productivity gains resulted in high C accumulation in wood. Residue application also decreased Mn concentration in tissues, which improved tree nutrition and growth. Wood density remained within industry standards regardless of applied residue rate, thus quality of wood needed for production processes was not impacted. Application of industrial residues to low fertility soils planted with P. taeda can enhance growth and stand production.

Technical Abstract: Nutrient return to soil by applying forest industry residues help ameliorate soil nutrient exhaustion and promote forest management sustainability. This study evaluated the effects of forest industry residue application on soil attributes and on growth and nutrition of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). Six rates (0, 14, 25, 49, and 60 T ha-1) of residue (boiler ash and cellulose sludge mixture) were applied to P. taeda stands on a low fertility soil. Seven years after application, trees were harvested for wood volume, wood biomass, and nutrient composition. Wood density was determined along the trunk length. Soil samples from 0-10 and 10-20 cm depths were collected for evaluating chemical attributes. Despite small increases in soil Ca and P availability, high yield enhancement without compromised wood density was observed. Maximum growth response was obtained with the 49 T ha-1 residue application. This rate enhanced trunk volume from 117 to 250 m3 ha-1, total biomass from 76 to 127 T ha-1, and total C from 34.5 to 57.2 T ha-1. Residue application decreased Mn content in all biomass compartments, and values above 193.5 (needles) and 26.2 mg kg-1 (bark) defined low annual growth increases. Residue application decreased Al, Fe, S, B, Ca, and P concentrations in branches or needles. Forest sustainability practices can be enhanced by applications of industrial residues while improving tree yield and nutrition.