Relationships between Some Nutritional Factors and the Distributions of Eucalyptus Gummifera and Eucalyptus Maculata

Abstract

The sharply delimited distributions of Eucalpytus gummifera and Eucalyptus maculata on the south coast of New South Wales were not statistically correlated with differences in physical and chemical properties of the supporting soils. Slight trends suggest that E. gummifera soils are not different physical quality and of lower nutrient status than E. maculata soils. Pot trials of interspecific competition for soil nutrients were inconclusive. Long—term field trials are recommended in which interspecific competition for other factors is also encountered. Chemical analyses and a pot trial indicated low concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium in some soils of the study area. Pot trails suggest that E. gummifera seedlings require less soil nitrogen and calcium than do E. maculata seedlings. Correlations are significant at the 0.05 level between phosphorus and calcium concentrations in plant tissues and the corresponding concentrations in supporting in supporting soils. The two species appear to differ in their ability to take up, and perhaps their requirement for soil phosphorus, calcium, nitrogen, and possibly manganese.