Effects of nitrogen exponential fertilization on growth and nutrient distribution of Sinocalycanthus chinensis seedlings
[Objective]This paper provides the theoretical background for selecting the ideal nitrogen level for Sinocaly-canthus chinensis seedlings and conducting nursery production on a large scale. [Method]Exponential fertilization using nitrogen was conducted for S. chinensis seedlings at five levels (0, 149, 273, 412 and 550 mg/ tree). [Result] The seedling morphology indices related to growth rate increased with an increase in the N application rate when nitrogen lev-els were between 149-273 mg/ tree. The morphological indicators tended to be stable when the N supply was higher than 412 mg/ tree. Between nitrogen levels of 149-273 mg/ tree, the distribution ratio of N and K in the roots and stems in-creased with an increase in the nitrogen application rate, while that of P decreased; however, the distribution ratios of N and K in the leaves decreased, while that of P increased. The highest N, P and K nutrient contents of the seedlings were observed when the nitrogen application rate was 412 mg/ tree. The highest nutrient absorption and utilization efficiency results were observed for nitrogen levels of 149-273 mg/ tree. [Conclusion]Exponential fertilization using nitrogen at lev-els of 273-412 mg/ treewas most beneficial for seedling growth, and June and July were the peak months in which stron-gest effects of fertilization on seedling growth were observed.