Forest Fertilising in Great Britain

The quantity and distribution of Forestry Commission and private woodlands in Upland Britain is given and an estimate made of the occurrence of soil types within these areas. Factors affecting tree growth are listed and the economics of forest fertilising discussed. Standard fertiliser regimes may appear extravagant, but because of delays in responses, can compare favourably with fertilising by prescription from foliage samples. The major fertilisers in use at present are listed along with their recommended rates. Research has confirmed that broadcast fertiliser application is adequate and most fertilisers are now applied by helicopter. Most fertiliser has previously been used in the establishment phase but it is beginning to appear that large areas of pole-stage crops may benefit from added nutrients. Quantities of Forestry Commission areas fertilised so far are given and an estimate is made of total fertiliser demand in these and private sectors at normality. There is little evidence of fertilisers adversely affecting either the environment or wood quality.