TITLE:
Nutrition and Related Factors Affecting Maple Tree Health and Sap Yield
AUTHORS:
Rachel R. West, Rajasekaran R. Lada, Mason T. MacDonald
KEYWORDS:
Acer saccharum L., Calcium, Forest Ecophysiology, Maple Syrup, Nutrient Cycling, Sap Flow, Soil Environment
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.14 No.2,
February
20,
2023
ABSTRACT: The maple industry is an economically important bioresource
for both Canada and the Northeastern United States, with Canada being the world
leader in maple products. Maple sap is collected during the natural freeze-thaw
cycles which occur in the late winter and early spring. Syrup yield is directly
dependent on sap yield which has links to tree health, available nutrients, forest
health, environment, soil health, sap components, season length, as well as various
other factors. Maple trees can tolerate a wide arrange of soils, but soils in the
maple woods are often left alone due to the difficulty with addition and incorporation
of the appropriate amendments. Most nutrients come from the nutrient cycling of
decomposing litter and mycorrhizal associations. Nutrient deficiencies of K, P and
Ca are all linked to maple decline and could be positively influenced by a fertilization
program. However, improper nutrient applications could create even greater nutrient
imbalances, thus leading to more dieback or decline. This review discusses current
maple management practices with an emphasis on the role of soil nutrition on tree
health and sap yield.