Yellow pines signal potassium deficiency in reforested old pasture land in Tasmania

In Tasmania, the development of yellow needles has been observed in some plantations of radiata pine (Pinus radiata) established on sites previously used for pasture. An insufficient supply of soil nitrogen (N) or potassium (K), and competition from pasture regrowth were suspected to be causing the deficiency symptoms. Research has shown that a combination of weed control and K application can improve tree colour and increase tree growth.

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