Achieving greater forest resilience and productivity through innovation and targeted nutrition

Authors: Peter Clinton, Graham Coker, Steven Dovey, Lorretta Garrett, Carol Rolando, Alison Slade, Simeon Smaill, Claire Stewart, Jianming Xue
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2025, Issue N.Z.J.For. 70(2) 2025, pp Pages 10-16, Aug 2025
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Aotearoa New Zealand has a strong legacy of research into forest productivity, soils and nutrition, which has been shaped by its diverse soil types, climates and site conditions. Historically, this research has addressed macro- and micro-nutrient deficiencies (e.g. nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg) and boron (B)), as well as application methods and timing, fertiliser formulations and the effects of various site preparation techniques. Early successes were driven by a close alignment between researchers and forest growers, ensuring both relevance and practical impact. However, in recent years, attention to forest nutrition has diminished, even as forestry faces growing challenges. These include the need for sustainable productivity across multiple rotations, land-use competition and the compounding effects of climate change, such as elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) and rising temperatures. A renewed interest in tree nutrition emerged during a recent New Zealand forest growers’ workshop, which underscored the need for a national forest nutrition management strategy and a working group, to guide future efforts to revisit this opportunity to enhance the productivity of existing forest estates. Strategies identified in the workshop include advancing productivity research through long-term trials to evaluate emerging nutrient technologies, developing site-specific nutrient modelling approaches, exploring fertiliser interventions across the rotation, and identifying productivity gaps for radiata pine and other species. The aim of this paper is to: Provide a very brief overview of tree nutrition and productivity research in New Zealand plantation forests over the last 70 years. Identify the successful partnerships that have supported forest nutrition research in the past. Summarise the workshop held in January 2025 with forest industry representatives, which endorsed the need for a long-term nutrition strategy.

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