Growth and Tissue Nutrient Responses of Fraxinus rhynchophylla, Fraxinus mandshurica, Pinus koraiensis, and Abies holophylla Seedlings Fertilized with Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium

Fertilization increases the crop productivity and produces high quality seedlings for plantation. We quantitatively measured both physical performances and nutrient responses of Fraxinus rhynchophylla, Fraxinus mandshurica, Pinus koraiensis, and Abies holophylla seedlings, which are commercially planted species in Korea, to nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilization. We analyzed the growth performances by using Dickson's quality index (QI) and the nutrient status by using vector diagnosis. Nitrogen or phosphorus treatment increased height and root collar diameter growth of F. rhynchophylla and F. mandshurica, however, did not increase those of P. koraiensis and A. holophylla. The order of QI was N > P > K > control for F. rhynchophylla, P ${\geq}$ N > Control ${\geq}$ P for F. mandshurica, P > Control ${\geq}$ K > N for P. koraiensis and A. holophylla. In F. rhynchophylla, fertilization diluted N concentration in tissues by 5-25% because growth responses were higher than fertilization uptake. P. koraiensis and A. holophylla showed N excess showing "toxic accumulation". F. rhynchophylla and F. mandshurica showed P deficiency with P fertilization, however, P. koraiensis and A. holophylla showed "luxury accumulation". Vector diagnosis indicated that more fertilization was applicable for F. rhynchophylla and F. mandshurica, and high fertilization rates were inefficient for P. koraiensis and A. holophylla. Both QI and vector diagnosis can be applied to verify seedling quality in the light of growth responses and nutrient status in fertilization trials.