Optimum Light Intensity and Fertilization Effects on Physiological Activities of Forsythia saxatil

The leaf growth and physiological characteristics of Forsythia saxatilis were investigated under different relative light intensities (RLI) and fertilization levels in order to find out the optimum environmental conditions for in-situ restoration. RLI and fertilization were four levels (30%, 43%, 63% of full sun and full sun) and three levels (non-fertilization, 2 times and 3 times of average forest soil in Korea), respectively. According to the increase of fertilization level under all RLI, leaf area increased and leaf dry weight and the ratio of leaf dry weight to leaf area decreased. As the fertilization level increased, photosynthetic pigment contents such as chlorophyll a, b and carotenoid under all RLI decreased. And pigment contents were the highest under full sun in the same fertilization level. Foliar nitrogen content under fertilization was higher than that under non-fertilization, and chlorophyll/nitrogen ratio decreased with the increase of fertilization level under all RLI. The increase of photosynthetic rate was observed with the increase of fertilization level at 63% of RLI and full sun, and dark respiration rate under fertilization was lower than under non-fertilization. Apparent quantum yield was lower at non-fertilization than that of fertilization, and it was highest at 63% of RLI under the same fertilization level. In conclusion, leaf growth and physiological characteristics of F. saxatilis could be improved under higher light conditions and fertilization.