Studies were undertaken to determine the effects of fertilizer and liming materials on soil and fine root chemistry and fine root biomass, and on the starch content of larger diameter sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) roots. Responses in fine root biomass, fine root chemistry, and soil chemistry were observed using root-free ingrowth cores containing an organic based fertilizer (3-4-8 plus dolomitic limestone at a rate of 800 kg/ha), an inorganic fertilizer (0-3-29 plus calcite and dolomite at a rate of 1370 kg/ha), or no fertilizer. The cores were installed in three mature sugar maple stands for one year. Significant differences (p $ leq$ 0.05) in many root and soil chemical properties existed among sites. Greatest treatment response in soil and fine root chemistry occurred at the site with the poorest nutrient status. Fine root biomass decreased due to treatment at one site. No other response in fine root biomass was observed. / Larger diameter roots were sampled at two sites from sugarbush fertilization plots treated with base rich fertilizers. At one site, an acidifying treatment was also applied. Significant differences (p $ leq$ 0.05) in root starch content were observed between the acidifying treatment and the most base enriched treatments several years following fertilization.

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