WEST FRASER MILLS LTD. FERTILIZATION SCREENING TRIALS

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2 WEST FRASER MILLS LTD. FERTILIZATION SCREENING TRIALS TFL 5 and TFL 52 Submitted by: B.A. Blackwell and Associates Ltd Hoskins Road North Vancouver, B.C. V7J 3B5 Submitted to: Earl Spielman RPF Inventory Forester West Fraser Mills Ltd Brownmiller Road, Quesnel, BC V2J 3K9 March 2009

3 Executive Summary Fertilizer trials were established on 8 sites in TFL 5 and TFL 52 for West Fraser Mills Ltd. These sites were identified as having nutrient deficiencies based on foliar sampling conducted in 2006 at 41 sites. The 8 trials were established in 2007 to compare the effects of fertilization on white or hybrid spruce and Douglas fir. Nitrogen and boron ( Nitrogen Alone ), and a blend of macro and micro nutrients ( Blend ) were the two fertilizer mixes used. The fertilized sites were sampled in the fall of 2008 and needle weights and foliar nutrient concentrations were analysed to determine treatment effects. Samples were analysed for concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), boron (B), total sulfur (S) and inorganic sulfate (SO 4 ). Control levels of N across all 8 sites ranged from very severely deficient (sites 2 and 14) to severely deficient (sites 5, 13, 23, 25, 29 and 41). The foliar levels of P, Ca, K, Cu, Zn and Mn were all adequate or above acceptable levels for spruce and Douglas fir across the 8 control sites. Magnesium control levels ranged from adequate (sites 2, 5, 23) to a possible slight to moderate deficiency (sites 13, 15, 25, 29, 41). All of the control sites were considered deficient in S and were lower than 0.12%, which, in combination with the levels of SO 4 (<.01%), suggest that a deficiency inducible by N fertilization is possible. The control foliar levels of Cu, Zn, and Mn were considered adequate in samples collected from all 8 sites. The levels of B were deficient on sites 13 and14, possibly deficient on 2, 5, 23, 25, and 13 and probably not deficient on site 29 where the recorded level of B was 15 ppm. The foliar control levels of SO 4 were considered deficient on sites 2, 14, 25. For sites 5, 13, 23, 29, and 41 the SO 4 control levels were not deficient but the concentrations indicated that an N induced deficiency is possible. Analysis of variance results showed that treatment effects were significant for each treatment for N, needle weight, B and SO 4. No other foliar nutrients showed any significant change as a result of fertilization. The Nitrogen Alone and Blend fertilizer treatments resulted in increased foliar nutrient concentrations and needle mass for these same measures. Increases in needle weight were significantly greater for the Blend treatment, but 2 sites (2 and 13) showed higher needle weights for the N alone treatment when compared to the Blend treatment. The Nitrogen Alone and Blend treatments resulted in higher but variable N concentration increases when compared to controls, with sites (14, 23, 29, 41) highest for Nitrogen Alone and sites (2, 5, 13, 25) highest for Blend. These differences were not significant between N Alone and Blend. Similar to N concentrations, fertilization induced increases in B were variable for the Nitrogen Alone and Blend treatments and these increases were not significantly different between N Alone and Blend. Fertilization resulted in a significant decrease in the concentration of SO 4. With the exception of sites 2 and 5, the Nitrogen Alone treatment resulted in the greatest decrease when compared to the Blend treatment. The results of the Nitrogen Alone treatment for SO 4 concentrations indicate that there is likely an actual or inducible S deficiency caused by the fertilization treatment. The foliar nutrient and mass results suggest that operational fertilization of white spruce and Douglas fir should focus on sites with similar nutrient deficiencies and that fertilization treatments should include N, B and S (as ammonium sulfate) to avoid induced nutrient deficiencies. B.A. Blackwell & Associates Ltd. Page i 2/10/2010

4 Table of Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION STUDY AREA Site Descriptions METHODS Screening Trial Plot Establishment Screening Trials Foliar Sampling RESULTS AND DISCUSSION RECOMMENDATIONS REFERENCES APPENDIX A List of Maps Map 1. Shows the locations of the 8 fertilization trials in TFL 5 and TFL List of Tables Table 1. Summary of the TFL, BEC Unit, site series and tree species for each site Table 2. Mean and (standard error) for all response measures in Hybrid White Spruce and Douglas-fir for fertilizer screening trials at sites located in TFL52 and TFL Table 3. Mean and (standard error) for all response measures in Hybrid White Spruce and Douglas-fir (Site 41) for fertilizer screening trials at sites located in TFL52 and TFL Table 4. ANOVA results for hybrid white spruce and Douglas-fir foliar nutrients and needle mass by sites (8) and treatment (Control, Nitrogen Alone, and Blend fertilizers) Table 5. ANOVA results for hybrid white spruce and Douglas-fir foliar nutrients and needle mass by sites (8) and treatment (Control, Nitrogen Alone, and Blend fertilizers) B.A. Blackwell & Associates Ltd. Page ii 2/10/2010

5 1.0 Introduction Nutrient deficiencies, in particular N, are common in B.C. interior forests (Brockley et al. 1991). Operational fertilization is one of several tools used to promote tree growth in stands identified with nutrient deficiencies and to maintain the present level of cut or fill gaps in age class distribution. The effectiveness of an operational fertilization program in improving tree volume production is dependent on the ability of the forester to predict the magnitude of the expected growth response. For interior tree species, it is clear from the literature that further fertilization research is needed before site specific fertilization prescriptions with known responses can be made with confidence (Brockley 1988). B.A. Blackwell & Associates Ltd. was contracted by West Fraser Mills Ltd. to conduct foliar sampling in the fall of 2006 of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and white spruce and hybrids (Picea glauca x engelmannii) on 41 sites on TFL 5 and TFL 52. The results from foliar analysis were used to identify 8 sites on these TFLs with nutrient deficiencies. In 2007, screening trials with 2 fertilizer types were established on these 8 sites. Foliar sampling of these sites was conducted the following year (2008) to determine tree response. Nitrogen and boron ( Nitrogen Alone ), and a blend of macro and micro nutrients ( Blend ) were the 2 fertilizer mixes used. Needle weights and foliar nutrient concentrations were analysed to determine treatment effects. Samples were analysed for concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), boron (B), total sulfur (S) and inorganic sulfate (SO 4 ). B.A. Blackwell & Associates Ltd. Page 3 2/10/2010

6 2.0 Study Area Map 1. Shows the locations of the 8 fertilization trials in TFL 5 and TFL 52. Eight sites were established on West Fraser Mills Tree Farm Licenses (TFL); 2 in TFL 5 and 6 in TFL 52 (Map 1). The sites were located in 5 Biogeoclimatic Units shown in Table 1. Table 1. Summary of the TFL, BEC Unit, site series and tree species for each site. Site TFL BEC Unit Site Series Species 2 5 SBSmw 01 Sx 5 5 SBSmw 06 Sx ESSFwk1 01 Sx ESSFwk1 04 Sx SBSwk1 01 Sx SBSwk1 07 Sx SBSwk1 05 Sx SBSmw 01 Fd B.A. Blackwell & Associates Ltd. Page 4 2/10/2010

7 2.1 Site Descriptions The following descriptions outline the key characteristics of the sites and stands. Site 2 Sx Site 2 is in the Sub Boreal Spruce Moist Warm (SBSmw) Biogeoclimatic Unit. The site is an 01 site series. Tree age is 21 years and the stand is comprised of spruce leading with a mix of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), Douglas fir and Aspen (Populus tremuloides). The average diameter and height are 12 cm and 7.5 m respectively. Crown closure is 50% and the site is flat and relatively homogenous. Site 5 Sx Site 5 is in the Sub Boreal Spruce Moist Warm (SBSmw) Biogeoclimatic Unit. The site is a complex of 06 (80%) and 01 (20%) site series. Twenty year old spruce is the dominant tree species with a minor component of Douglas fir. The average diameter and height are 13 cm and 8 m respectively. Crown closure is 70 80%. The site is flat (5% slope). It appears that the site was pile burned. Site 13 Sx Site 13 is in the Engelmann Spruce Sub Alpine Fir wet cool variant (ESSFwk1). The site is a complex of 01 (80%) and 01 (20%) site series. Seventeen year old spruce is the dominant tree species with a minor component of subalpine fir. The average diameter and height are 8 cm and 6 m respectively. Crown closure is 40%. The site has a 20% slope to the northwest. It has been burnt and fill planted. Site 14 Sx Site 14 is in the Engelmann Spruce Sub Alpine Fir wet cool variant (ESSFwk1). The site is a complex of 04 (80%) and 01 (20%) site series. Much of the polygon is 01 not 04 as mapped so only the 04 lower slopes were used. Twenty one year old spruce is the dominant tree species with a minor component of subalpine fir. The average diameter and height are 9 cm and 6.5 m respectively. Crown closure is 40%. The site is situated above fluvial terrace and was burnt. Site 23 Sx Site 13 is in the Sub Boreal Spruce wet cool variant (SBSwk1). The site is a complex of 01 (90%) and 07 (10%) site series. Twenty two year old spruce is the dominant tree species with a component of beetle attacked lodgepole pine (significant mortality occurred between plot establishment and sampling). The average diameter and height are 13 cm and 7 m respectively. Crown closure is 50%. The site has a 15% slope to the east and was burnt. Site 25 Sx Site 25 is in the Sub Boreal Spruce wet cool variant (SBSwk1). The site is 07 (100%) site series. Twenty two year old spruce is the dominant tree species with a component of lodgepole pine. B.A. Blackwell & Associates Ltd. Page 5 2/10/2010

8 The average diameter and height are 10 cm and 6.5 m respectively. Crown closure is 40%. The site has a 10% slope to the southwest. Site 29 Sx Site 29 is in the Sub Boreal Spruce wet cool variant (SBSwk1). The site is a complex of 05 (80%) and 01 (20%) site series. Twenty year old spruce is the dominant tree species. The average diameter and height are 9 cm and 6.5 m respectively. Crown closure is 40%. The site has a 25% slope to the southwest and was burnt. Site 41 Fd Site 41 is in the Sub Boreal Spruce Moist Warm (SBSmw) Biogeoclimatic Unit. The site is an 01 site series. Tree age is 21 years and the stand is comprised of Douglas fir leading with minor components of lodgepole pine, and spruce. The average diameter and height are 10 cm and 7.5 m respectively. Crown closure is 55% and the site is flat and relatively homogenous and was burnt. 3.0 Methods 3.1 Screening Trial Plot Establishment Screening trial plot establishment adhered to the following criteria and rules: 1) Stand selection was relatively uniform in vegetation, microsite position, soils, and stand structure. 2) Each screening trial site had a total of 30, 0.01 ha circular mini plots (5.64 m radius) installed. Three treatments were applied to each screening trial site (i.e., at 10 mini plots per treatment): Nitrogen Alone, Blend and Control. 3) Each mini plot contained 2 adjacent dominant or codominant trees with room for crown expansion. Paired trees had similar diameters, heights and live crown lengths, and had no obvious symptoms of insect or disease activity or heavy cone crops. Spruce adelgid was common and when moderate to heavy infestations were noted, trees were excluded. 4) Each circular mini plot was centered and flagged around the pair of sample trees. Candidate trees were flagged, painted with numbers, and 1 tree was marked with a silver tag recording site, treatment, and plot information. A minimum distance of 5 m separated the outer boundaries of adjacent mini plots. B.A. Blackwell & Associates Ltd. Page 6 2/10/2010

9 5) Treatments were applied to the 30 mini plots in the following amounts: Nitrogen Alone: 10 mini plots: 200 kg N/ha + 3 kg B/ha, with an application rate of 455 kg/ha Blend: 10 mini plots: 200 kg N/ha kg P/ha kg K/ha + 75 kg S/ha + 38 kg Mg/ha + 3 kg B/ha, with an application rate of 1234 kg/ha Control:10 mini plots, no treatment 6) To determine the amount of fertilizer applied to each mini plot, buckets were filled with the correct weight of fertilizer for the Nitrogen Along and Blend treatments, and the correct volume was marked on the buckets. To ensure even fertilizer distribution, a mark was also made to indicate half the total volume. Each half volume was spread evenly over ½ of the mini plot. Ten mini plots were trial site controls and no fertilizer was applied. 7) Each mini plot location was recorded using a Trimble Nomad GPS unit. 3.2 Screening Trials Foliar Sampling 1) Foliage samples were collected from both trees in each mini plot in the fall of 2008, one growing season following fertilization. 2) A total of 60 individual foliage samples (10 mini plots/treatment x 2 trees/plot x 3 treatments) were collected from each of the 8 screening trial sites (a combined total of 480 samples). Foliage samples were collected, bagged, and labeled (Trial #, Plot #, Tree #). 3) Each individual foliage sample consisted of current year s foliage collected from 2 to 4 branch ends (terminal and laterals) per tree. All foliage was collected from between the upper ¼ and ½ of the live crown. 4) Individual foliage samples were kept cool (1 5 o C) in refrigeration units at a local nursery then shipped to B.A. Blackwell & Associates Ltd. in North Vancouver, where they were stored in a cold room between 1 5 o C until they were processed. 5) Individual foliage samples were oven dried and the average mass of 100 needles for each individual sample was determined and recorded. 6) For chemical analysis, individual foliage samples from the 2 trees in each mini plot were combined to form 1 composite sample per mini plot (240 samples in total). Each composite sample consisted of an equal amount of oven dry foliage from each of the 2 original foliage samples. 7) Composite foliage samples were sent to Pacific Soils in Richmond and analysed for concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, B, S, and SO 4. B.A. Blackwell & Associates Ltd. Page 7 2/10/2010

10 4.0 Results and Discussion Descriptive statistics summarized by site and treatment for each nutrient were completed, including minimum, maximum, range, mean, standard error, standard deviation, variance, and coefficient of variation. The mean and standard error of each response measure by site and treatment has been summarized in Table 2 and Table 3, and complete descriptive statistics of the results have been compiled in Appendix A. A one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted on individual foliar response measures comparing site and treatment effects to determine individual nutrient effects. Below is a sample ANOVA table that outlines the approach to ANOVA (Figure 1). Figure 1. Sample ANOVA Table (by Site and Treatment). Red highlighting indicates a significant result. Treatment response is presented on an individual site basis (Table 2 and Table 3). Wherever possible, interpretations will be made to explain response patterns found. First year response measurements examine changes in foliar nutrient levels, needle mass and overall stand nutrition in an attempt to determine the effectiveness of the fertilizer treatments in changing stand nutrition and increasing foliar biomass. Increased foliar nutrient concentrations and needle mass are suggested to result in increased photosynthate production through: increased photosynthetic efficiency; better water use efficiency through improved stomatal control (Brix 1981); increased photosynthetic surface area; and, improved net photosynthate production early and late in the growing season, and throughout periods of moisture stress. Increases in photosynthate production should translate to increased production of woody materials (e.g., stemwood, roots, and branches). However, it must be recognized that first year response measures can only approximate future volume response, which must be verified through later basal area or volume measures. Table 2 and Table 3 summarize the mean and standard error of foliar nutrient concentrations and needle mass for each of the 3 fertilizer treatments by each of the 8 sites. Classifications of deficiency or adequacy are based on the work presented by Ballard and Carter (1986). B.A. Blackwell & Associates Ltd. Page 8 2/10/2010

11 Control Nutrient Levels Control levels of N across all 8 sites ranged from very severely deficient (sites 2 and 14) to severely deficient (sites 5, 13, 23, 25, 29 and 41). The foliar levels of P, Ca, K, Cu, Zn and Mn were all adequate or above acceptable levels for spruce and Douglas fir across the 8 control sites. Magnesium control levels ranged from adequate (sites 2, 5, 23) to a possible slight to moderate deficiency (sites 13, 15, 25, 29, 41). All of the control sites were considered deficient in S and were lower than 0.12%, which, in combination with the levels of SO 4 (<.01%), suggest that a deficiency inducible by N fertilization is possible. The control foliar levels of Cu, Zn, and Mn were considered adequate in samples collected from all 8 sites. The levels of B were deficient on sites 13 and14, possibly deficient on 2, 5, 23, 25, and 13 and probably not deficient on site 29 where the recorded level of B was 15 ppm. The foliar control levels of SO 4 were considered deficient on sites 2, 14, 25. For sites 5, 13, 23, 29, and 41 the SO 4 control levels were not deficient but the concentrations indicated that an N induced deficiency is possible. There is a possible deficiency of Fe on all sites. However Fe deficiencies have not been noted in growth deficiencies unless deficiencies are severe. One unexplainable anomaly was identified for Mn where for site 5 concentrations ranged from 127 to 143 ppm. For all other sites, the range of concentrations was 338 to 662 ppm. While none of these concentrations are considered deficient (Ballard and Carter 1986) site 5 appears to have concentrations that are significantly lower when compared to other sites included in the study. The Mn levels for site 5 measured in 2008 sampling are consistent with the levels measured on this site in the original 2006 foliar sampling, so the anomaly is related to site conditions not measurement error. Treatment Effects Table 4 and Table 5 present the ANOVA results for nutrient concentrations and needle mass, and identify those measures that are statistically significant by treatment (Nitrogen Alone, Blend and Control). ANOVA treatment effects were significant for each of N, needle weight, B and SO 4. No other foliar nutrients showed any significant change as a result of fertilization. The Nitrogen Alone and Blend fertilizer treatments resulted in increased foliar nutrient concentrations and needle mass for these same measures. Significant treatment effects are discussed below. Needle Weight Increases in needle weight were significantly greater for the Blend treatment, but 2 sites (2 and 13) showed higher needle weights for the N alone treatment when compared to the Blend treatment (Table 4 and Table 5). Nitrogen The Nitrogen Alone and Blend treatments resulted in higher but variable N concentration increases when compared to controls, with sites (14, 23, 29, 41) highest for Nitrogen Alone and B.A. Blackwell & Associates Ltd. Page 9 2/10/2010

12 sites (2, 5, 13, 25) highest for Blend (Table 4 and Table 5). These were statistically significant from controls. The differences between N Alone and Blend treatments were not significant. In terms of nutrient status, the observed changes in the classes of nutrient deficiency for both N Alone and Blend were the same. Sites 2 and 14 changed from very severely deficient to a slight moderate deficiency. Sites 5, 13, and 29 changed from severely deficient to slight moderate deficiency. Sites 23, 25 and 41 changed from severely deficient to adequate. Boron Similar to N concentrations, fertilization induced increases in B were variable for the Nitrogen Alone and Blend treatments and were significantly different from the control. However, no significant difference between N Alone and Blend Treatments were found. The observed changes in the classes of nutrient deficiency for both N Alone and Blend were slightly different but followed a trend of alleviating deficiencies. Site 29 was probably not deficient and changed status to no deficiency. Sites 2, 23, 25, 41 were possibly deficient and changed to no deficiency for both treatments (except for site 25 Blend which became probably not deficient). Sites 13 and 14 were likely deficient and changed to probably not deficient. Site 11 changed from possible to probably not deficient. Again a trend of ameliorating deficiencies was observed for both N Alone and Blend with few differences between the two treatments. Sulfate Sulfur Fertilization resulted in a significant decrease in the concentration of SO 4. With the exception of sites 2 and 5, the Nitrogen Alone treatment resulted in the greatest decrease when compared to the Blend treatment. The results of the Nitrogen Alone treatment for SO 4 concentrations indicate that there is likely an actual or inducible S deficiency caused by the fertilization treatment (Table 4 and Table 5). Further investigation into fertilizer mixes to reduce the induced SO 4 deficiency is warranted. All sites showed a decrease in SO 4 up to a 5 to 6 fold reduction. Sites 2, 14, and 25 had actual deficiencies prior to treatment which were further reduced by fertilization, as noted N Alone had a more negative impact than the Blend. Sites 5, 13, 23, 29 and 41 had no deficiency prior to treatment but were susceptible to an N induced deficiency. Post treatment all sites had induced deficiencies. 5.0 Recommendations The foliar nutrient and mass results suggest that operational fertilization of white spruce and Douglas fir should focus on sites with similar nutrient deficiencies and that fertilization treatments should include N, B and S (as ammonium sulfate) to avoid induced nutrient deficiencies. B.A. Blackwell & Associates Ltd. Page 10 2/10/2010

13 Table 2. Mean and (standard error) for all response measures in Hybrid White Spruce and Douglas fir for fertilizer screening trials at sites located in TFL52 and TFL5. Location Treatment Needle N P Ca Mg K S Cu Zn Fe Mn B SO 4 -S Mass % ppm mg/100 Site 2 Control a (18) (0.05) (0.01) (0.03) (0.01) (0.02) (0.003) (0) (2) (1) (39) (1) (10) Nitrogen alone (24) (0.06) (0.00) (0.03) (0.01) (0.03) (0.003) (0) (2) (1) (40) (1) (1) Blend (13) (0.03) (0.00) (0.03) (0.01) (0.05) (0.002) (0) (2) (1) (60) (1) (1) Site 5 Control i (14) (0.02) (0.0) (0.02) (0.00) (0.02) (0.002) (0) (2) (1) (19) (1) (9) Nitrogen alone (22) (0.03) (0.0) (0.03) (0.01) (0.03) (0.002) (0) (3) (2) (17) (1) (4) Blend (24) (0.07) (0.0) (0.02) (0.00) (0.03) (0.002) (0) (2) (1) (12) (1) (3) Site 13 Control i (23) (0.03) (0.0) (0.02) (0.00) (0.03) (0.003) (0) (2) (1) (47) (1) (9) Nitrogen alone (27) (0.03) (0.0) (0.02) (0.00) (0.04) (0.003) (0) (2) (1) (42) (1) (4) Blend (35) (0.02) (0.0) (0.01) (0.00) (0.03) (0.001) (0) (1) (2) (24) (1) (6) Site 14 Control a (20) (0.02) (0.0) (0.02) (0.00) (0.03) (0.002) (0) (2) (2) (55) (1) (9) Nitrogen alone (30) (0.05) (0.0) (0.02) (0.00) (0.02) (0.002) (0) (2) (1) (22) (1) (1) Blend (18) (0.07) (0.0) (0.02) (0.00) (0.02) (0.001) (0) (2) (1) (59) (1) (3) B.A. Blackwell & Associates Ltd. Page 11 2/10/2010

14 Table 3. Mean and (standard error) for all response measures in Hybrid White Spruce and Douglas fir (Site 41) for fertilizer screening trials at sites located in TFL52 and TFL5. Location Treatment Needle N P Ca Mg K S Cu Zn Fe Mn B SO 4 -S Mass % ppm mg/100 Site 23 Control (23) (0.02) (0.0) (0.01) (0.00) (0.03) (0.003) (0) (2) (1) (38) (1) (15) Nitrogen alone (26) (0.06) (0.0) (0.03) (0.00) (0.02) (0.002) (0) (2) (1) (48) (2) (1) Blend (26) (0.09) (0.0) (0.02) (0.00) (0.02) (0.003) (0) (2) (1) (31) (1) (7) Site 25 Control a (25) (0.04) (0.0) (0.03) (0.00) (0.03) (0.002) (0) (1) (1) (52) (1) (12) Nitrogen alone (24) (0.06) (0.0) (0.03) (0.01) (0.03) (0.003) (0) (2) (1) (30) (1) (1) Blend (22) (0.06) (0.0) (0.01) (0.00) (0.02) (0.002) (0) (1) (1) (16) (1) (5) Site 29 Control i (22) (0.02) (0.0) (0.02) (0.01) (0.01) (0.001) (0) (1) (1) (41) (1) (17) Nitrogen alone (27) (0.05) (0.0) (0.02) (0.02) (0.03) (0.003) (0) (3) (1) (45) (1) (1) Blend (37) (0.05) (0.0) (0.02) (0.03) (0.03) (0.003) (0) (2) (1) (27) (1) (4) Site 41 Control i (34) (0.03) (0.0) (0.01) (0.00) (0.03) (0.001) (0) (1) (1) (25) (1) (13) Nitrogen alone (29) (0.04) (0.0) (0.02) (0.00) (0.03) (0.003) (0) (1) (1) (46) (2) (0) Blend (28) (0.04) (0.0) (0.01) (0.00) (0.02) (0.003) (0) (1) (1) (25) (1) (3) B.A. Blackwell & Associates Ltd. Page 12 2/10/2010

15 Table 4. ANOVA results for hybrid white spruce and Douglas fir foliar nutrients and needle mass by sites (8) and treatment (Control, Nitrogen Alone, and Blend fertilizers). Note: Treatment (TRT) highlighted in red indicates the treatment effect for the specific measure was significant. ** Indicates that the source effect was significant p< *** Indicates that the source effect was significant p < B.A. Blackwell & Associates Ltd. Page 13 2/10/2010

16 Table 5. ANOVA results for hybrid white spruce and Douglas fir foliar nutrients and needle mass by sites (8) and treatment (Control, Nitrogen Alone, and Blend fertilizers). Note: Treatment (TRT) highlighted in red indicates the treatment effect for the specific measure was significant. ** Indicates that the source effect was significant p< *** Indicates that the source effect was significant p< B.A. Blackwell & Associates Ltd. Page 14 2/10/2010

17 References Ballard, T.M., and R.E. Carter Evaluating Forest Stand Nutrient Status. Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Forests. Victoria, B.C. Land Management Report Number p. Brix H Effects of nitrogen fertilizer source and application rates on foliar nitrogen concentration, photosynthesis, and growth of Douglas fir. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 11(4): Brockley, R.P The effects of fertilization on the early growth of planted seedlings: a problem analysis. For. Can. and B.C. Min. For., Res. Br., Victoria, B.C. FRDA Report 011.Wheetman 1988 Brockley, R.P Forest fertilization research in the interior of British Columbia: status and plans. pp In Proceedings of a Forest Fertilization Workshop: Improving forest fertilization decision making in British Columbia, March 1988, Vancouver, B.C. J.D. Lousier, H. Brix, R. Brockley, R. Carter, and V.G. Marshall (editors). B.C. Min. For., Res. Br., Victoria, B.C. B.A. Blackwell & Associates Ltd. Page 15 2/10/2010

18 APPENDIX A Descriptive Statistics for Needle Weights and Foliar Nutrient Concentrations by Site and Treatment Type B.A. Blackwell & Associates Ltd. Page 16 2/10/2010

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