Browse Quality Response to Forest Fertilization and Soils in Florida

Abstract

Spring leaves of red maple (Acer rubrum) and inkberry (Ilex glabra) from slash pine (Pinus elliottii) plantations fertilized with diammonium phosphate 4 to 9 years prior to collection were higher in phosphorus (P) than leaves from an unfertilized plantation. The nitrogen (N) content of inkberry leaves also was higher in spring. During the summer, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) was higher in both species and P was higher in inkberry on fertilized plantations. However, any residual effect of fertilization on nutrient concentrations was overshadowed by a decrease in P and N and an increase in calcium (Ca) in the summer. The effect of soil series on nutrient values was negligible, with the exception of Ca, which was higher on a somewhat poorly drained Dunbar soil series than on a poorly drained Bladen soil series. Nutritive value of both browse plants was limited by low IVOMD and P concentrations, which never attained maintenance levels required by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).