Chronic N Home

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Chronic Nitrogen Amendment Plots

Four treated plots were established within each stand: control, low N, low N plus sulfur (N+S) and high N. Each plot measured 30 x 30 meters (0.09 ha) and was divided into thirty-six 5 x 5 m subplots. Fertilizer additions of ammonium nitrate sodium sulfate began in 1988 as six equal applications over the growing season (May - Sept). Fertilizer was weighed, mixed with 20 liters of water (equivalent to 0.002 cm rainfall) and applied using a backpack sprayer.

Fertilizer Additions as g N or S m-2 yr-1
Study Period: 1988 - 2004
NOTE: Sulfur additions were terminated after 1998

    Ammonium Nitrate
(NH4NO3)     
Sodium Sulfate
 (Na2SO4)
Treatment Control Low N High N Low N+S Low N+S
1988 0 3.8 11.3 3.8 7.4
1989 0 5 15 5 7.4
1990 0 5 15 5 7.4
1996 0 5 15 5 7.4
1996 0 5 15 5 7.4
1996 0 5 15 5 7.4
1996 0 5 15 5 7.4
1996 0 5 15 5 7.4
1996 0 5 15 5 7.4
1996 0 5 15 5 7.4
1996 0 5 15 5 7.4
1997 0 5 15 5 7.4
1998 0 5 15 5 7.4
1999 0 5 15 5 0
2000 0 5 15 5 0
2001 0 5 15 5 0
2002 0 5 15 5 0
2003 0 5 15 5 0
2004 0 5 15 5 0
 
Total Additions
1988 - 2004
0 83.8 251.3 83.8 81.4

Beginning with the 2005 field season, ammonium nitrate fertilizer became very difficult to attain due to new homeland security transportation and shipping reastrictions. As a result, we received mislabeled material from our supplier for the first application in 2005; following the discovery of the above issues, we then were able to find only ammonium nitrate with potassium added. Fertilizer rates were not adjusted for the change in content; the same fertilizer quantities were applied. As a result, this changed the actual amounts of NH4NO3 applied to the plots. These amounts are listed in the table below.

Fertilizer Additions as g N or K m-2 yr-1
Study Period: 2005 - 2007

    Ammonium Nitrate
(NH4NO3)     
Potassium
(as K))
Treatment Control Low N High N Low N+S Control Low N High N Low N+S
2005 0 tbd tbd tbd 0 tbd tbd tbd
2006 0 tbd tbd tbd 0 tbd tbd tbd
2007 0 tbd tbd tbd 0 tbd tbd tbd
Total Additions
2005 - 2007
0 tbd tbd tbd 0 tbd tbd tbd

Summary of all additions 1988 - 2007.

    Ammonium Nitrate
(NH4NO3)     
Potassium
(as K))
Sodium Sulfate
 (Na2SO4)
Treatment Control Low N High N Low N+S Control Low N High N Low N+S Low N+S
Total Additions
1988 - 2007
0 tbd tbd tbd 0 tbd tbd tbd tbd