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Scientia Silvae Sinicae ›› 2025, Vol. 61 ›› Issue (10): 135-145.doi: 10.11707/j.1001-7488.LYKX20240656

• Research papers • Previous Articles    

Responses of Poplar Plantations in Northern China Sandy Land to Conventional Fertilization and Drip Fertigation

Jiangtao Guo1,Jingjing Peng2,Xin Ma2,Fan Liu2,Yongxiu Xia2,*()   

  1. 1. College of Forestry, Hebei Agricultural University Baoding 071000
    2. Experimental Center of Forestry in North China, Chinese Academy of Forestry Beijing 102300
  • Received:2024-11-05 Online:2025-10-25 Published:2025-11-05
  • Contact: Yongxiu Xia E-mail:qjdhtynite@163.com

Abstract:

Objective: In order to solve the problems of poor comprehensive soil fertility and low productivity of large-diameter poplar plantations in northern sandy areas, this study analyzed the response mechanism of poplar plantations to different water and fertilizer conditions through conventional fertilization and drip fertigation methods. This study aims to provide theoretical basis and technical guidance for developing reasonable measures to promote forest growth and sustainably maintaining soil fertility. Method: In this paper, 11–12-year-old Populus × euramericana cv. 74/76 plantation on northern sandy soil was studied using a split-plot experimental design. The irrigation form was the main factor with two levels, conventional irrigation (CI) and drip irrigation (DI). Different types of fertilizing were the sub-factors, with six levels of no fertilization (F0M0), controlled-release fertilizer (FcM0), water-soluble fertilizer (FNPKM0), organic manure (F0M1), controlled-release fertilizer and organic manure (FcM1), water-soluble fertilizer and organic manure (FNPKM1), (a total of 12 treatments). After continuous treatments for 2 years, the changes in diameter at breast height (DBH), as well as the physicochemical properties and enzyme activity of the soil were measured. Result: Drip irrigation was more effective in promoting the DBH growth of poplar plantations than conventional irrigation under the same fertilization conditions. Different types of fertilizers and their combinations had varied effects on poplar DBH growth and soil fertility. Among them, under drip irrigation conditions, organic manure alone or combination of water-soluble fertilizer with organic manure had the best effect, while the controlled-release fertilizer in combination with organic manure had the worst effect. The application of organic manure was able to enhance soil alkaline phosphatase activity, increase soil available phosphorus content, maintain soil organic matter stability, promote breast height diameter growth, and effectively maintain soil fertility. Conclusion: In the poplar plantations on northern sandy soil, the application of organic manure or water-soluble fertilizer combined with organic manure has the best effect on promoting the DBH growth, improving soil nutrient availability, and maintaining soil fertility. Therefore, it is recommended to use organic manure as the base fertilizer and drip irrigation with water-soluble fertilizer as topdressing for water and fertilizer management of the poplar plantations in this area.

Key words: poplar, fertilization, irrigation, DBH growth, soil physical and chemical properties, soil enzyme activity

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