Growth and Nitrogen Retranslocation of Nutrient-Loaded Clonal Betula alnoides Transplanted with or without Fertilization

Nutrient loading can improve the growth and nutrient content of nursery-grown Betula alnoides Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don, but it is unknown whether enhances uptake after transplanting. Plants were grown with three treatments (N100, N200, N400; 100, 200, 400 mg N per plant as 15N-urea) in nursery containers then transplanted into plastic pots, or without controlled-release fertilizer (F0 F10, 0 10 g plant). The N400 plants had a smaller size higher nitrogen concentration relative to N100 N200 before However, 180 days transplanting, superior root collar diameter, length, area compared plants, due an increase 15N retranslocation new stems leaves. Moreover, transplant fertilization (F10) enhanced height, dry mass, not retranslocation, F0. We recommend that medium- high-dose implemented B. nurseries optimize Additional at transplanting may be advantageous supporting growth, owing rapid depletion reserves planting out field.