Idle agricultural land has the potential for producing woody crops for energy or paper pulp.  Short rotation woody crops (SRWCs) may also improve soil health, water quality, and sequester soil carbon in previously intensively farmed fields.  Frequently, N is the limiting nutrient in these systems. Previous fertilization trials conducted on SRWC plantation hardwoods in the southern US were focused mainly on fertilization during establishment and early development (1-6 yrs).  Those studies show a response to N additions, where N demands are greatest following canopy closure (e.g., typically 4-7 yrs). Thus, managing the N supply in mid- to late-rotation may maximize productivity. The objectives of this study were to improve SRWC productivity by developing a mid-rotation nutrient management strategy which ensures adequate nutrient availability, minimize N leaching, and hasten development of a commercially harvestable crop. The study site is located in the upper coastal plain of South Carolina in Sumter County. The statistical design was a RCBD of seven treatments with three replications applied to two species (Sycamore and Sweetgum). Treatments were 0, 30, 50 and 80 kg N ha^-1. These rates were also applied as a biennial split application. Fertilizer response was measured by diameter at breast height and tree height, leaf tissue samples were analyzed to determine nutrient uptake of trees and undergrowth, and porous cup lysimeters were installed at two depths to track N movement through the profile. A net mineralization study was also conducted. Implications for improving N management in SRWCs will be discussed.