Nutrition and growth in newly established plantations of Eucalyptus globulus in northwestern Spain

The growth and nutritional status of newly established Eucalyptus globulus plantations, located in NW Spain, were studied in relation to soil properties and site preparation techniques. Most of the plantations are growing on chemically poorly fertile soils of intermediate depth. Despite being fertilized at establishment, most of the plantations showed low foliar levels of P and Ca, and some showed deficiencies of Mg and K. Growth depended mainly on the altitude, length of the drought period and on concentrations of Ca in soils. Productivity is reflected by the concentrations of Ca in leaves. Preparation of the soil by windrowing reduced levels of Ca, Mg and P in the soil, negatively affecting nutrition and growth and causing an increase in tree mortality. The results suggest subsoiling to be the most suitable site preparation technique for shallow soils, and also indicate the need for repeated fertilization and the adoption of silviculture management practices that enhance the natural turnover of nutrients.