• Delo, Howard Oren
  University of Maine
  

Twelve mineral nutrient levels of 13 mineral soil and 1 organic soil series, of the organic matter pad, and of 6 winter deer browse species were studied in 6 selected deer wintering areas in Maine. The soils were of low fertility and showed much variability in mineral content. The organic matter pad a1-so showed variable levels of nutrients but contained adequate amounts of Ca, N, and P for tree growth. All 6 browse species contained levels of P below recommended winter maintenance requirements for deer. Four browse species were deficient in crude protein. Magnesium, Câ, Fe, K, and Cu in browse appeared adequate for deer nutritional needs. None of the 6 browse species had Ca:P ratios in the recommended range of 1:2 to 2:l. No apparent relationships were found between the amounts of mineral nutrients present Ín the soil, the organic matter, or the browse plants on the same site.