Nutrition challenges of longleaf pine in the Southeast

ABSTRACT Low vigor of longleaf pine has been reported at Fort Benning in Georgia, and Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. In an effort to determine the cause of this problem, foliar nutrition was assessed. Results indicated that macroand micronutrients were generally sufficient regardless of vigor status. Foliar Mn, however, was elevated at both locations. Excess Mn has the potential to interfere with physiological processes and the function of other elements if natural Mn tolerance mechanisms are inadequate. A summary of foliar nutrition at Fort Benning and Eglin Air Force Base is presented as baseline information for further investigation to determine the cause of poor vigor.