Autumn fertilization of Quercus ilex ssp. ballota (Desf.) Samp. nursery seedlings: effects on morpho-physiology and field performance

& Background The Holm oak (Quercus ilex ssp. ballota [Desf.] Samp.) is an evergreen tree widely distributed in the western Mediterranean Basin. Forest restoration programs using this species have enjoyed only limited success, and knowledge concerning the effect of fertilization on plant quality and post-transplantation response is sparse. & Methods We assessed the effect of autumn fertilization using different doses of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (70.0 mg N, 30.5 mg P and 58.1 mg K during the growing phase for all plants; and 30.0 vs 1.5 mg N, 13.1 vs 0.3 mg P and 24.9 vs 0.5 mg K during the hardening phase, depending on the fertilization treatment) on the seedling characteristics and field performance of Holm oak. & Results and Conclusions Autumn fertilization, especially with N, did not decrease plant quality but improved overall growth, root growth capacity, cold hardiness, and the nutritional content of nursery-grown seedlings. However, autumn fertilization had only a small effect on field performance, which was affected only by K fertilization, probably because of the adequate N and P nutrient status of all the plants and the mild weather conditions of the field plot. In our site, which had a mild winter climate, late autumn out-planting was more successful than was midwinter out-planting.