Can phosphorus additions increase long-term growth and survival of red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) on periodically dry sites?

•Red alder on a dry site was fertilized with P shortly after planting and for 6 years after.•P additions increased growth through 13 years, but less so on “crop” trees.•P additions have not affected the trajectory of the diameter-density curve.•Effects of P additions on basal area increment were greater during moister growing seasons.