Nitrogen and Phosphorus Nutrition of Trees and Forests

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) nutrition of trees has been studied for many decades, but has largely been focused on inorganic nutrient uptake and leaf level nutrient contents. In recent years it became obvious that N and P cycling at the ecosystem level is of vital importance for tree nutrition and that organic N uptake by trees is an essential part of ecosystem N cycling; in particular on N and/or P poor soils, and in cooler climates. The significance of organic P uptake by trees is still a matter of debate, especially under field conditions. The central aim of this Special Issue is to provide new insights into some of these topics at the tree, and the ecosystem level.