The effects of fertilization and competition control on carbon and nutrient allocation and physiology in loblolly pine plantation. Quarterly report for the period October - December, 1999 Page: 4 of 9

                                
1. Status of Work

We are making good progress on our field and laboratory measurements. Analysis is
proceeding on relevant datasets and laboratory samples.
Our progress on the specific tasks under each objective listed in our Statement of Work
can be summarized as follows:
Objective #1: Understand the mechanisms by which fertilization and competition control
affect the growth, development and productivity of loblolly pine stands by determining
fluxes and allocation of carbon and nutrients.
1. Quantify biomass and nutrient (esp. N and P) allocation to leaf, stem and roots of
individual loblolly pine within the plots.
Litter collections continue on a monthly basis from all Waycross, BF Grant and
Whitehall plots. Litter has been sorted and weighed through the October collection. Soil
cores for determination of root mass were collected in January, and are still being
processed. All of our Waycross stands were harvested this winter. Stem, branch, foliage
and bark samples were taken for determination of nutrient content. Measurements of the
major cations have been completed, and the foliar data were presented in the last
quarterly report.
We began harvesting the B.F Grant sites on January 3, 2000, and expect to complete our
work on or before January 12, 2000. We will use the same protocols as were used in last
year's Waycross harvests in all analyses.
Begin and completion dates: Oct. 1, 1998 - August 31, 2001
2. Quantify how biomass and nutrient content of above and below ground components of
loblolly pine stands change with time by examining the growth of different-aged stands.
Both the data previously collected at Waycross and currently being collected at the B.F.
Grant site in association with the preceding task will be used for this purpose.
Begin and completion dates: Oct 1, 1998 - August 31, 2001
3. Quantify rates of carbon flux, i.e. net photosynthesis, foliar respiration, root respiration
and soil respiration.
Photosynthesis was measured during 5 separate sampling periods in two blocks of each
age at both Waycross and BF Grant. The first flush of 1998 and the first flush of 1999
were measured on three trees in each plot. Measurements from the three trees were
averaged and serve as the experimental unit. Measurements will continue at

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