Douglas-fir fertilizer trials in Humboldt County

TENS OF THOUSANDS of acres of young Douglas-fir trees grow on good soils in Humboldt County. Most areas developed on previously logged areas and are between 5 and 25 years of age. Growth rates and stocking in these stands is generally good. Age class distribution on private land in the county is considerably out of balance, however, and faster growth in some areas would help maintain a steady supply of marketable size trees for forest products raw materials. The possibility of nitrogen fertilizer raising the rate of production for a long enough period to yield a satisfactory return on the investment, would give forest owners a very important tool.