Do Nitrogen Additions Change the Sensitivity of Detached Shoots from Sitka and Norway Spruce to Freezing Temperatures? Evidence from Three Field Manipulation Studies

Controversy surrounds the impact of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition on frost hardiness. There are no specific field studies and the relevance of data from N fertilizer studies is questionable. Field N manipulation experiments with Norway spruce [Picea abies. (L) Karst.] at Skogaby, Sweden, and Sitka spruce [P. sitchensis. (Bong.) Carr.] at Aber in Wales and Deepsyke in Scotland were sampled in November/December to assess hardiness. The N was supplied with different accompanying ions, from 35 to 100 kg N ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, as solid fertilizer, in irrigation water or to the canopy. Detached shoots were experimentally frozen and damage was assessed from electrolyte leakage. Frost hardiness was not significantly affected by the N treatments irrespective of site, dose, species or length of treatment. Shoots that had received N were generally the most hardy. The results are consistent with the nutritional status of the foliage at the time of sampling.