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A major impediment to the establishment of outplanted conifer seedlings is competition for available soil N by early successional species. The objective of this field study was to determine the fate of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) N in soils with outplanted white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss.) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) seedlings, and the effect of weed control or vegetation management (VM) on fertilizer N accumulation. Nitrogen-15 labeled CRF was placed next to the seedling root plug during planting at four boreal mixed wood sites. After one growing season in the control plots, fertilizer N recovery as a percentage of [sup.15]N added was 4% in seedlings, 3% in competing vegetation, 50% of the fertilizer N remained in the fertilizer bag, presumably remaining available in subsequent seasons. Calamagrostis (Calamagrostis canadensis) was the primary competitor for fertilizer N in both growing seasons, with minor competition from fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium L.), and aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.). The use of a point source CRF delivery method resulted in high fertilizer use efficiency (FUE), and minimized losses to competing vegetation and leaching.

This study investigated the effect of two willow (Salix spp.) biochars, produced using either fast- or slow-pyrolysis, on the bioavailability of metsulfuron and sulfentrazone herbicides in soil. Five rates (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%; w/w) of each biochar were used, along with varying rates of metsulfuron (0–3.2 µg ai kg−1) and sulfentrazone (0–200 µg ai kg−1), followed by a sugar beet bioassay. The fast-pyrolysis biochar had minimal effect, while the slow-pyrolysis biochar decreased the bioavailability of both herbicides. Despite using the same feedstock, the two biochars had different physical and chemical properties, of which specific surface area was most contrasting (3.0 and 175 m2 g−1 for fast- and slow-pyrolysis biochar, respectively). Increased anionic herbicide adsorption associated with greater surface area of the slow-pyrolysis biochar is considered to be the primary mechanism responsible for reducing herbicide bioavailability with this biochar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses nitrogen accumulation by conifer seedlings and competitor species from nitrogen-labeled controlled-release fertilizer. Determining the fate of controlled-release fertilizer in soils with outplanted white spruce and jack pine seedlings; Effect of weed control or vegetation management on fertilizer nitrogen accumulation.