Effects of Fertilization Dosage on Seedling Quality of Different Provenances Quercus variabilis

To investigate the difference in seedling growth and nutrient demands of Quercus variabilis seeds from different provenances, Q. variabilis seeds from 4 different provenances were cultivated with 5 fertilization levels. Morphology, mineral nutrients and non-structural carbohydrates of seeds and seedlings were measured. Four provenances were Xishan Forest Farm in Haidian County, Beijing City(BH), Xiaowangjian Forest Farm in Xi`an City, Shaanxi Province(SX), Zhongtiaoshan Forest Farm in Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province(SY) and Laojunshan in Luanchuan County, Henan Province(HL). The result showed that there was not significantly interactive effect between provenance and fertilization. Seeds from BH and HL were larger and had more K concentration, as indicated by thousand seed weight were 4463 g and 5185 g. Consequently, seedling quality of both seed province performed better. However, seeds from SY and SX were smaller and less K concentration, consistent with inferior seedling growth and nutrient storage. Seed size and K concentration were important parameters to assess seed quality. Fertilization with 0.24 g/L was deficient for seedling performance, as indicated by small size and poor nutrient status. Fertilization increased seedling height, diameter, N, P and starch storage of total seedling by 11.9%–19.4%, 21.1%–27.4%, 40.9%–118%, 27.9%–49.5% and 9.4%–28.8%, respectively. Seedling had the greatest growth and nutrient storage when fertilization dosage at 5.71 g/L.