First-year results of fertilization in a young ponderosa pine plantation on two contrasting soils were analyzed. Trees testing low in foliar nitrogen responded strongly to fertilization where brush had been removed, but failed to respond if brush remained. Height growth was doubled by certain treatment combinations on the less fertile Mariposa soil, but was not influenced by treatment on the more fertile Cohasset. Brush removal increased needle weight or trees on both soils. Increases in foliar biomass and nitrogen content of trees on treated plots suggest that rapid growth rates will continue.