Study on the Response of Young Seedlings of the Woody Chinese Medicinal Plant Phellodendron chinense Schneid. to Fertilization

This study aimed to investigate the effects of fertilization with different N, P, and K ratios on the growth and nutrient accumulation of seedlings of the woody Chinese medicinal herb Phellodendron chinense. Seedling growth, nutrient accumulation, and physiological characteristics under different NPK ratios were measured and analyzed by using an L(9)(33) orthogonal experimental design on the seed source of Phellodendron chinense from Chongqing. The results showed that reasonable NPK rationing significantly promoted the growth of seedlings of Phellodendron chinense, effectively increasing the aboveground and belowground biomass of Phellodendron chinense seedlings, as well as the N, P, and K contents in the leaves. The principal component analysis, combined with a comprehensive evaluation, showed that the T1 treatment group exhibited the optimal fertilization effect, a finding that highlights the importance of balanced nutrient rationing.