Objective:
Rational fertilization can improve tree health, growth and potentially benefit pine cone and pine nut production. The reduction of forest exploitation costs without neglecting environmental factors and promoting biodiversity is an important management achievement in the context of climate change.
To establish fertilizer recommendations in stone pine for cone production, it is crucial to evaluate soil fertility, tree nutritional status and, if irrigated, the quality of the irrigation water. Here we present part of the results of the operational group FERTIPINEA, focused on the analysis of Portuguese stone pine stands regarding soil physical and chemical characteristics.
Context:
In a context of intensive exploitation of stone pine in Portugal for cone and pine nut production, the use of novel forest management techniques, including irrigation and fertilization, is increasing. At present the fertilizer recommendations are based on empirical knowledge, highlighting the need to develop experimental work. When planting new stands, soil analysis should be used to assess fertility status. In already installed young and adult stands, soil and foliar analysis must be performed, similarly to what is done in an agricultural context.
Contacts:
M. Encarnacao Marcelo, encarnacao.marcelo@iniav.pt, http://www.iniav.pt/
Alexandra Correia, alexandrac@isa.ulisboa.pt, http://www.isa.ulisboa.pt/en/cef
Conceicao Santos Silva, mcssilva@unac.pt, http://www.unac.pt/
Further information:
http://www.unac.pt/index.php/id-i/grupos-operacionais-accao-1-1-pdr2020/fertipinea
Marcelo, M. E., Carrasquinho, I., Jordão, P., Mano, R., Calouro, F., Gaspar, M., Gomes, J. P. A., Melo, I., Martins, S., Silva, C. S., Amaral, M. R., Borges, C., Correia, A. P. (2020). Características físicas e químicas de solos ocupados com pinheiro-manso. Revista Vida Rural. Pag 24-27, Fevereiro 2020.