Effects of wood ash and nitrogen fertilization on Scots pine crown biomass

The crown biomass, being one of the most susceptible components of the above-ground tree biomass, could respond positively to environmental changes and temporary increase in nutrient availability. The influence of wood ash and nitrogen fertilization on crown biomass was studied in a 40-year-old Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stand growing on a Haplic Arenosol. The 36-model trees for the crown biomass measurements were sampled for 3 growing seasons after the application of 5.0 t wood ash ha^?1, 180 kg N ha^?1, 2.5 t wood ash ha^?1 plus 180 kg N ha^?1, and control (untreated plots). The masses of the current, 1-year-old and older needles and shoots, and branches were measured. A significant influence on the current year needles and shoots was found after the application of 180 kg N ha^?1 or 2.5 t wood ash ha^?1 plus 180 kg N ha^?1. When wood ash was applied in combination with nitrogen, an extra response tendency of the crown growth, especially of the top and the middle sections of the crown, was determined. However, there was no short-term influence of wood ash on crown biomass growth.