Significant species differences in foliar litter quality have been well-documented but differences within species, as a function of variation in genotype or environment, have not been directly addressed and, thus, remain poorly understood. We studied the significance of genetics, the environment, and their interaction in regulating forest nutrient dynamics and productivity using trees from four full-sib black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) families of a complete 7 x 7 diallel cross experiment at the Petawawa National Forestry Institute (Chalk River, Ontario). Foliar litter composites from each family-plot on two sites of contrasting water availability were collected in October, 1993, and sub-samples were analyzed for initial N, P, K, Ca, Mg, cellulose and lignin concentrations. Inherent decomposition rates and nutrient dynamics of the litter composites were followed for one year. Samples of forest floor and mineral soil collected from within each plot were used to determine organic matter accumulation, pH, total nutrient contents in the forest floor and extractable nutrient concentrations in the mineral soil. Height, dbh, and total tree cubic volume, were used to characterize tree productivity. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Thesis (M.S.) in Plant, Soil and Environmental Sciences--University of Maine, 2007. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 72-83).

Thesis (Ph.D.). / Written for the Dept. of Earth and Planetary Sciences. Title from title page of PDF (viewed 2008/01/12). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of California, Santa Cruz, 1997. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Alberta, 2010. / Title from PDF file main screen (viewed on July 13, 2010). A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Soil Science, Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2004. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Oregon State University, 2010. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 139-149). Also available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.S.)--Washington State University, August 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 29-31).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2004. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.

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