Effects of Phosphorus Fertilization, Seed Source, and Soil Type on Growth of Acacia koa

The endemic tree Acacia koa is used to reforest abandoned agricultural lands in Hawaii. Growth may be constrained by soil infertility and toxic concentrations of aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn) in acidic Oxisols and Ultisols. The effects of phosphorus (P) fertilization at time of planting, soil type, and seed source on koa growth were studied for three years. Phosphorus, applied as triple superphosphate and at rates of at least 300 kg P ha−1, significantly increased height, basal stem diameter, crown volume, and aboveground wood biomass of trees from the local (Oahu) seed source, but not those from off island (Hawaii). Manganese toxicity in the Oxisol probably slowed growth of the off-site trees. The local seed source grew similarly in both soil types, but the survival rate was lower in the Ultisol, possibly due to its lower water-holding capacity. Increased growth due to fertilization suggested improved P status, but such improvement was not detected by foliar analysis.