What is commonly the most limiting factor for tree fertilization effectiveness?

Soil moisture is often the most limiting factor for the effectiveness of tree fertilization because nutrients in the soil need to be dissolved in water to be absorbed by tree roots. When soil moisture levels are inadequate, nutrient uptake is hindered, regardless of how much fertilizer is applied. Water facilitates not only the movement of nutrients but also the biochemical processes necessary for trees to utilize those nutrients effectively.

In contrast, factors such as soil type, while important, may not be as directly limiting when moisture is available, since different soils can still retain varying amounts of nutrients depending on their composition. Sunlight availability is crucial for photosynthesis but does not directly affect how well trees can absorb nutrients from fertilization. Similarly, the tree species influences nutrient requirements and uptake patterns, but if there is insufficient moisture, even a tree that typically benefits from high nutrient levels will struggle to thrive. Therefore, adequate soil moisture is critical to maximizing the benefits of tree fertilization.