Can Graphical Vector Analysis be Used to Identify Micro Nutrient Deficiency?

Initial analysis of needle nutrient status and visible symptoms suggested that a declining Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) stand in south Sweden was suffering from B and Cu deficiency. Effects of addition of 1000 kg ha^-1 of a commercial N-free fertilizer containing macro nutrients plus B, Cu, and Zn were investigated. B concentrations and B/N ratios were increased significantly in needles from fertilized trees compared to the control, to levels well above critical levels of deficiency and optimum nutrient ratios. In contrast, the treatment did not change the low needle Cu status and there was no effect on growth measured as needle mass after one growing season. Graphical vector analysis together with the absence of change in needle mass suggested a luxury uptake of B. Application of the concepts for critical levels of deficiency and optimum nutrient ratios in relation to N suggested B and Cu deficiency were contributing factors to the observed forest damage in the area. Graphical vector analysis requires a rapid response in needle mass, in combination with improved needle nutrient status in order to identify nutrient deficiencies. The applicability of the technique appears to be limited to primarily growth-promoting nutrients.     

Health of remnant woodlands in fragments under distinct grazing regimes

Fragmented remnant woodlands in agricultural landscapes are of high conservation value world-wide. Many eucalypts in agricultural landscapes of Australia are in decline. We aimed to investigate nutrient enrichment as a process that may contribute to eucalypt decline. We studied remnant woodlands that had been exposed to distinct recent and current livestock grazing treatments: Currently Intense Grazed; Recently Intense Grazed (until 3 years ago); Recent Intermediate Grazed; and Recent Lightly Grazed by livestock. We assessed soil nutrient status and penetrability, eucalypt foliar nutrition and stable isotope ratios for N and C, attributes of understorey vegetation, and tree health. Soils of the Currently Intense Grazed treatment had high levels of ammonium and Colwell-P. Total N, P, C:N ratio and soil penetrability were generally high in Currently Intense Grazed and Recently Intense Grazed treatments relative to Recent Intermediate Grazed and Recent Lightly Grazed treatments. Foliar N, N stable isotope ratios, P and carbon stable isotope ratios (δ¹³C) were generally higher (less negative δ¹³C) in trees on Currently Intense Grazed and Recently Intense Grazed treatments than in trees on Recent Intermediate Grazed and Recent Lightly Grazed treatments. Soil surface litter, tall and low shrubs and rock were positively correlated with tree health. Grasses and eucalypt foliar N, P and δ¹³C were negatively correlated with tree health. Soil nutrient enrichment increased with increasing grazing intensity and was associated with increased weed invasion and with poor tree health that was in turn correlated to increased foliar N and P and less negative δ¹³C in woodland trees in this study. We argue that minimising soil nutrient enrichment of fragmented remnant woodlands is important, given the association of elevated soil nutrition with poor tree health, to ensure the persistence of eucalypts in agricultural landscapes.     

不同树龄骏枣树养分吸收差异研究

【目的】旨在明确不同树龄骏枣树形成单位产量所需的各器官营养元素年吸收量的异同点,以期为骏枣生产中的科学均衡施肥提供理论依据。【方法】以新疆阿克苏地区4、 7和10年生骏枣树作为试材,从枣树地上部分各器官分别采样,测定N、 P、 K、 Ca、 Mg、 Mn、 Fe、 Zn和Cu含量。【结果】骏枣树形成地上部各器官单位生物量所需要的养分含量,不同树龄间相比差异均不显著,但其生物量在总生物量中所占的百分率有差异,4、 7、 10年生骏枣树果实占地上部年总生物量的百分率依次为72.9%、 73.7%、 75.7%,叶片依次为5.4%、 5.2%、 5.1%,花依次为1.3%、 1.5%、 1.4%,茎枝依次为20.4%、 19.5%、 17.6%,三个树龄骏枣树各器官生物量的大少顺序均为果实＞茎枝＞叶片＞花。每形成1000 kg果实的总生物量随着树龄的增大而逐渐减少,茎枝保留和剪掉部分生物量均降低。采前落果率随树龄增加上升,叶片生物量减少,受精花生物量上升,而其掉落部分生物量表现先上升后下降。三个树龄骏枣地上部分生物量年增加量所需要的各营养元素量顺序均为K＞N＞Ca＞Mg＞P＞Fe＞Zn＞Mn＞Cu,每形成1000 kg果实所需要吸收的养分量非常接近,4年生骏枣树为N 22.8 kg、 P 1.7 kg、 K 34.0 kg、 Ca 7.4 kg、 Mg 5.0 kg、 Mn 54.5 g、 Fe 916.9 g、 Zn 202.8 g、 Cu 42.5 g; 7年生骏枣树为N 22.7 kg、 P 1.7 kg、 K 33.9 kg、 Ca 7.3 kg、 Mg 4.9 kg、 Mn 53.9 g、 Fe 907.2 g、 Zn 204.5 g、 Cu 42.0 g; 10年生骏枣树N 22.1 kg、 P 1.7 kg、 K 33.4 kg、 Ca 6.8 kg、 Mg 4.7 kg、 Mn 51.8 g、 Fe 871.3 g、 Zn 204.8 g、 Cu 40.4 g。【结论】3种树龄骏枣树地上部年总生物量中果实生物量与其余生物量的比例约为3∶1,且形成1000 kg果实所需的养分量也基本一致。由于总生物量和果实产量随树龄的增加而增加,因此,对养分的总需求量增加。但是由于果实生物量所占比例有所增加,测算单位产量所需要的各营养元素年吸收量时,也应考虑果实以外器官的年生物量所需要的养分吸收量,才能得到较准确的肥料施入量和各营养元素的比例。     

Magnesium- und Calcium-Ernährung von Hochlagenfichten —Vergilbungszustand und Reaktion auf unterschiedliche Düngung

Magnesium and calcium nutrition of spruce on high altitude sites — yellowing status and effects of fertilizer application On the ARINUS experimental sites in the Schwarzwald (SW Germany) since 1987 the mineral nutrition of Norway spruce was investigated using various experimental fertilizer treatments. The studies were focused on the nutrient Mg as acute Mg deficiency symptoms were observed at the beginning of the experiments. Treatments with ammonium sulfate, kieserite and dolomitic limestone were carried out to achieve an experimental modification of the Mg supply. In this paper, results on yellowing status, long-term foliar analysis, and data on the binding forms of Mg and Ca in the needles are presented. By application of Mg containing fertilizers the Mg nutrition of the trees could be markedly improved. Thus, deficiency symptoms disappeared. Kieserite application resulted in the fastest response of foliar Mg concentrations. In contrast to Mg, Ca deficiency could not be observed. The results of the (NH₄)₂SO₄ application show that high N input in ecosystems can amplify latent deficiency of mineral elements. Recently on many sites the risk of nutrient imbalances has developed as a consequence of improved N supply due to deposition. Thus, nutritional and site specific aspects should be payed more attention when liming and fertilization measures are planned. A higher percentage of deep rooting tree species as beech and fir could be useful for stabilizing mineral nutrition of forest canopies.     

Pinus radiata site quality study in the Basque Country (Spain) using nutritional and physiographical criteria

Nutrient status in Pinus radiata sites in the Basque Country (Spain) have been established. Current-year, 1-year-old needles, and soil samples were collected in 7 sites. Needle samples were analyzed for calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N). Soil samples were analyzed for pH (H₂O), N, P, Ca, Mg, K and aluminium (Al). The results indicate differences between sites and needles of different ages. In general, nutrient concentrations in needles are sufficient for the nutritive requirements, but some low concentrations of Mg and P found in 1-year-old needles, indicate that some trees may show signs of deficiency in the near future. In turn, N concentrations are, in many cases, higher than those usually found in this species and may originate growth disorders. These concentrations may be related to NO₃ ^? and NH₄ ⁺ deposition. Soil nutrients are sufficient for trees requirements, but the levels of K and Mg are low. Soil pH values are not very acid, and the value of the Ca/Al ratio is, in general, near 1. An arrangement of sites and physiographical and nutritional parameters based on correlation and principal component analysis is also presented.     

Preliminary nitrogen,phosphorus, potassium,calcium and magnesium DRIS norms and indices for apple orchards in Canterbury,New Zealand

Abstract

Diagnosis and Recommended Integrated System (DRIS) norms and indices for N, P, K, Ca and Mg were developed for apple trees in Canterbury, New Zealand, based on surveys of nutrient levels of apple leaves in field experiments before and after N and K fertiliser applications and in four orchard surveys over a period of three years. Comparisons were made between calculated norms based on mean sufficiency nutrient levels and published norms. Results obtained showed that calculated norms and indices from sufficiency range provide a good indication of the order of apple nutrient requirements. High N and low Ca were identified as major nutrient problems. The best period for sampling leaves for nutrient analysis is at 3 to 5 months after blossom (i.e., December to January in New Zealand).     

Variation of N,P, K,Ca, Mg,Mn, Zn,and al in slash pine foliage

Abstract

The seasonal patterns of foliage nutrient concentrations and contents were monitored for two growing seasons in an 11‐year—old Pinus el1iottii stand. In the first growing season after needle initiation, N, P, K, Mg, and Zn concentrations decreased, but this was followed by an increase in the fall and winter months. Another drop in concentration of all elements, except P, occurred in the second growing season. Decreases in total contents indicated that this drop was a result of translocation to other tissues. In contrast to the mobile elements, the concentration and fascicle contents of Ca, Mn, and Al increased with aging of the needles.

Between‐tree variability was least for N, P, and Zn and the N, K, Mg, Mn, and Zn in the current foliage had consistently lower variation than that in the 1‐year‐old foliage. Between‐tree variation for K was lower in the winter than the spring.

For pine foliage, recommended sampling period for N, P, Mg, and Zn is mid to late summer and for the other elements it is late fall to late winter.

There are several sources of variation that influence the level of nutrients in tree foliage. The most important of these, apart from the tree nutrient status, are seasonal fluctuations, variation between trees, and age of needles . Smaller sources of variation are associated with position of the needles within the crown, diurnal changes, year to year variation, and analytical errors^1,2. These variables must be studied in order to develop suitable sampling techniques and in Pinus this has been undertaken for P. banksiana ¹, P. taeda ³, P. strobus ⁴, P. resinosa ⁴, P. sylvestris ⁵, and P. radiata ^6,7. However, foliage sampling has not been studied in detail for slash pine (Pinus elliottii Englem var. elliottii) and earlier studies with other pines have been largely confined to temperate or cool climates.

This study reports the variation in elemental concentrations with season, age of foliage, and between slash pine trees growing in a subtropical climate in Florida.     

Mineral element composition of declining and healthy stands of red spruce in western Massachusetts

Abstract

Concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Mn were determined in one‐, two‐, and five‐year‐old needles from upper and lower crowns of declining and healthy red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) to assess nutritional deficiencies as causes of severe defoliation in upper‐elevation forests in western Massachusetts. Concentrations of N and K did not differ between stands or positions in crowns but decreased with leaf age. In declining stands, mean Ca concentrations were the same in the upper and lower crowns (3.2 mg g^‐1), whereas in healthy stands, Ca was higher in the lower crown (4.8 mg g^‐1) than in the upper crown (3.9 mg g^‐1). Five‐year‐old needles of healthy trees had higher Ca than those of declining trees (6.0 and 3.8 mg g^‐1, respectively). Mean concentrations of P and Mg in declining trees were 0.9 and 0.5 mg g^‐1, respectively, with each element being at threshold levels of sufficiency. Mean concentrations of P and Mg, respectively, were 0.3 mg g^‐1 and 0.2 mg g^‐1 lower in needles of declining trees than in healthy trees. Five‐year‐old needles of declining trees were lower in P and Mg than those from healthy trees. Mean Mn concentrations were lower in needles of declining trees than in healthy trees (0.4 vs 1.3 mg g^‐1). The results suggest that low P, Mg, and possibly Ca concentrations in needles of declining trees may contribute to the decline.     

Nutrient balance in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forest. 5. Tree growth in a field plot experiment

A field plot experiment on fertilization with N, Mg and P in Scots pine forest was established. The experiment had a factorial design with three levels of N (0, 30 and 90 kg ha^?1), two levels of Mg (0 and 1.5 kg ha^?1) and two levels of P (0 and 5.3 kg ha^?1). The application was done annually. There was a significant growth increase for the two N treatments. During a period of 5-years the mean increase in volume increment was 2.3 and 4.5 m³ ha^?1 for the 30 N and 90 N kg ha^?1 yr^?1 treatments, respectively. This represents a percentage increase in volume increment of 53 and 102% compared to the untreated control plots. No significant growth effect of P and Mg application was detected, either alone or in combination with N. The needle nutrient concentrations have been followed along with the annual measurements. An increase in N-concentration was detected after the first growing season in the N treated trees. After five years the Mg concentrations in the needles are lower in these treatments. The one year old needles have concentrations as low as 0.05% Mg. No visible deficiency symptoms have been observed. The field experiment effects demonstrates that N is still the most limiting nutrient under these conditions and that there is a relative large potential for N accumulation in these forest types without negative effects.     

渭北旱塬红富士苹果不同时期叶片营养诊断

为推动渭北旱塬苹果合理施肥,通过测定红富士苹果不同时期叶片养分含量,并运用Beaufils、Jones和Elwali&Gascho提出的3种DRIS指数计算法对红富士苹果营养状况进行诊断。结果表明,从6月到8月红富士苹果叶片各养分元素含量变化存在差异,高产果树(单株产量>25 kg)叶片N含量呈先降低后升高趋势,P含量逐渐降低;低产果树(单株产量≤25 kg)叶片N含量一直降低,P含量变化则与高产叶片N相同。其他元素在两种果树中的变化趋势一致,K和Zn含量降低,Ca和Mg含量升高,Cu、Fe和Mn呈先升高后降低趋势。不同时期根据DRIS标准程序确定的重要诊断参数不同;与Elwali&Gascho提出的DRIS诊断指数计算法相比,采用Beaufils和Jones的方法得出的各元素诊断指数不但与其含量相关性高,且需肥顺序差异不大,Beau-fils方法得出高产果树6月到8月最缺乏的元素为K、Fe、Ca+Mg,Jones方法为K、Ca、Ca+Mg,低产果树均为K、Fe、N。综上,本研究建议针对不同时期进行红富士苹果叶片营养状况评价。     

钾、镁交互作用对橡胶幼苗生长及养分吸收的影响

  【目的】  我国植胶区砖红壤钾、镁缺乏现象日益突出，研究钾、镁缺乏对橡胶幼苗根系形态和养分吸收的影响，可为橡胶平衡施肥和优质高产栽培提供理论依据。  【方法】  选用‘热研7-33-97’橡胶 (Hevea brasiliensis) 幼苗为研究材料，在人工气候箱内用营养液培养。采用二因素二水平的析因试验设计，设置4个处理:对照 (CK)、缺钾 (–K)、缺镁 (–Mg) 和缺钾镁 (–K-Mg)，培养3个月后，取样测定橡胶幼苗干物质量、根系构型参数、根系活力和养分含量等指标。  【结果】  1) 与CK相比，–K和–K-Mg处理显著降低了单株干物质量和根冠比，干物质量降幅分别为8.4%和27.5%，根冠比降幅分别为20.4%和26.9%，而–Mg处理对干物质量和根冠比均无显著影响；K、Mg交互作用对茎干、根和单株干物质量及根冠比均有显著影响 (P < 0.05)。2) 与CK相比，各缺素处理均显著降低了橡胶幼苗吸收根 (直径 < 2 mm) 的根长、根表面积、根体积、总根尖数及根系活力等根系构型参数，而不同程度增加了平均根粗。方差分析结果表明，K、Mg交互作用对吸收根的根长、根表面积、根体积及总根尖数有极显著影响 (P < 0.01)。3) 各处理下氮和镁、磷和钾以及钙分别在叶片、根系以及茎皮中的平均分配比例高于其他器官。各缺素处理下，地上部的养分占比呈增加趋势。4) 与CK相比，–K处理显著增加了橡胶幼苗单株氮、磷和镁的积累，–K-Mg处理则显著降低了单株氮积累，各缺素处理均显著增加了单株钙的积累；K、Mg交互作用对氮、磷、钙和镁的积累有显著或极显著影响。  【结论】  钾、镁营养显著影响橡胶幼苗对养分的吸收，缺钾、缺镁显著抑制橡胶幼苗特别是根系的生长发育，同时缺钾缺镁加重抑制效果。因此，橡胶生产上不仅要保证培养基质或土壤的矿质营养充足，还要重视钾、镁元素间平衡关系。     

Foliar symptoms on norway spruce and relationships to magnesium deficiencies

Crown symptoms, foliar and soil nutrient status, disease and insect presence in Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) were evaluated in twelve plantations across West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York and New Hampshire during 1987 to 1988. The most obvious crown symptoms observed under plantation conditions were thinning and chlorosis. These symptoms were similar to those observed on this species throughout the past decade in central Europe and specifically in the Black Forest of the Federal Republic of Germany. A crown vigor index (CVI) was calculated for each tree to classify health status. Of the 180 trees sampled, 247 were healthy; 517 were intermediate, and 257 had severe crown symptoms. The symptoms varied from state to state, plantation to plantation, and from tree to tree. The most severe symptoms were noted on trees at Plantation 12, near Davis, WV. Severe symptoms were also noted on trees within Plantations 4 and 5 in the Tug Hill Plateau region, NY, and within Plantation 3 near Donegal, PA. Two entire branches were removed from the top crown and mid-live crown, respectively, of each sampled tree. Based on laboratory observations, the most common needle symptom was a uniform chlorosis. Chlorotic spots on needle surfaces were the second most common symptom. Thirteen major and trace foliar nutrient elements were determined. Average foliar Mg concentrations of symptomatic trees within several plantations ranged from 0.022 to 0.0637; levels less than the accepted deficiency threshold value. There were significant (negative) correlations between the mean foliar Mg concentrations for the trees and their corresponding CVI and mean discoloration indices of needles. Corresponding soil pH, available P, exchangeable cations, 7 saturation of K, Mg, and Ca of soils were determined for each tree. Soil pH, exchangeable Mg and 7 saturation of Mg were significantly lower in the more symptomatic Norway spruce.     

Effect of varied soil nitrogen supply on growth and nutrient uptake of young Norway spruce plants grown in a shaded environment

To understand the effect of increased soil N supply on tree growth and nutrient uptake, three-year-old Norway spruce seedlings were grown in pots on low-nutrient mineral forest soil supplemented with N in mineral or organic form. Outdoor shaded growth conditions were used, to test the hypothesis that shaded plants are particularly susceptible to high soil N supply. Plants were harvested eleven months after planting. Shoot growth was not affected by the N supply, but N concentrations in needles and roots were increased in plants supplied with mineral N (150 or 300 mg N [kg soil]^—1). Root growth was drastically reduced and root/shoot ratios were decreased in plants with higher N uptake. A high supply of mineral N to soil also decreased the concentrations of other essential elements (P, K) in the needles and thus had effects on plant growth which may impair the stress resistance of trees. Organic N in the form of keratin (150 mg N [kg soil]^—1) did not influence plant growth significantly. The adverse effects of high mineral N supply were particularly pronounced under shaded conditions in comparison to results from other experiments using higher light intensity and temperature conditions.     

Influence of Quercus ilex trees on herbaceous production and nutrient concentrations in southern PortugalElena Cubera1, 2

In an open woodland in Portugal, the nature of interactions between Quercus ilex trees and herbaceous plants was assessed during 2 years by studying how manipulation of incident solar radiation, water and nutrient supply affect the herbaceous biomass and N, K, P, Ca, Mg, and Mn concentrations. Measurements were carried out in three environments consisting of (1) open grassland, (2) beneath the tree canopy, and (3) under artificial shade. Each of these environments was subjected to two regimes of fertilization and two water levels in a factorial design. The fertilizer treatment consisted of application of no fertilizer or a combination of 200 kg calcium ammonium nitrate ha^–1 (26% N) and 350 kg superphosphate ha^–1 (8% P), while the water‐supply treatment consisted of either no irrigation or irrigation fortnightly from February 1 to April 30. Grasses showed significantly lower nutrient concentrations than forbs. However, nutrient concentrations of the whole herbaceous community were within the recommended ranges for cattle nutrition. A negative effect of shade on herbaceous biomass production was observed. The effect of watering on herbaceous biomass was less prominent than the effect of fertilization, irrespective of the environment, suggesting that Q. ilex does not compete for soil‐water resources with herbaceous biomass in this ecosystem. Fertilization increased total biomass by 106%, 49%, and 97% in the open grassland, beneath the tree canopy, and under artificial shade, respectively. During the first and second year, fertilization increased herbaceous P concentrations by 24% and 83%, respectively, if compared with concentrations obtained at the unfertilized plots. Higher K and Mg concentrations were observed in herbaceous plants beneath the tree canopy than in the open areas, indicating a positive effect of trees on pasture quality. The positive and negative effects of trees on understory forage are discussed.     

Relationships between yield and leaf nutrient contents in peach trees: Early nutritional status diagnosis

The objective was to determine to what extent foliar nutrient contents in different stages of the vegetative cycle are related to yield. The study was conducted on 180 peach trees (Prunus persica, L. Batsch) in several orchards located in the Ebro Basin. Leaf sampling (at 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days after full bloom) and crop harvesting were carried out individually on each of the 180 trees. Leaf samples were analyzed for N, P, K, Ca and Mg. The relationships of mineral analysis data (nutrient contents and their ten binary ratios) with yield were explored by applying three different calculation procedures. First, we analyzed the degree of significance of the differences in nutrient contents and binary ratios between two blocks of trees, separated according to yield level. This degree of significance was highest for leaf samples taken 60 and 120 days after full bloom, although the differences in K content and N/P and Ca/Mg ratios were not significant 120 days after full bloom. Second, we analyzed the correlations between mineral analysis data (nutrients and nutrient ratios) and yield. The best correlation coefficients were found for samples taken 60 and 120 days after full bloom. Again, samples taken 60 days after full bloom had a better performance than samples taken at a later stage. Third, we used multiple covariance studies to obtain a mathematical expression reflecting the effect of nutrient contents on yield. This type of analysis indicated again that the best time to take samples was 60 days after full bloom. Therefore, we conclude that the nutrient contents of the leaves and their ten binary ratios at 60 and 120 days after full bloom are the factors best related to yield in our study. Furthermore, all three calculation procedures showed that using samples taken 60 days after full bloom may offer significant advantages over samples taken at a later stage, thus opening the possibility to establish an early diagnosis of the nutritional status of peach trees.     

Nutritional Status of Pollen and Needles of Diverse Pinus Sylvestris Populations Grown at Sites with Contrasting Pollution

Pollen may serve as a biological indicator for air pollution stress in plants. However, knowledge of pollen mineral composition and its relationship to environmental and genetic factors is very limited. We studied the concentrations of macro- and micronutrients in pollen and needles for seven European Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) populations grown in two 15-yr-old provenance plantations with contrasting pollution levels. One site was located near a phosphate fertilizer factory, and the other in an area free of acute air pollution. We also tested the relationship between tree age and pollen nutrient composition by sampling 60-yr-old trees of local origin in both sites. No population differences were found in nutrient concentrations in pollen. However, there were significant differences among populations in needle concentrations of K, Mg and Zn, as well as significant site x population interaction for Mn concentration. In pollen, populations at the polluted site had significantly higher concentrations of S, Mn, Al, Na, Cu, Ni and Cd, and lower Zn. Average concentrations of S, P, Mn and Cd was lower in pollen of 60-yr-old than 15-yr-old Scots pine trees. Pollen concentrations of P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and B were similar between sites and not related to the concentration of these elements in needles. Therefore, by analyzing the chemical composition of pollen it is not possible to detect any nutritional disorders for P, K, Ca and Mg in plants, and it seems unlikely that nutrient analyses of pollen have an advantage over analyses of foliage as a bioindicator of pollution. However, enhanced accumulation by pollen of such elements as Al, S, Mn, Cu, Ni and Cd at the polluted site may adversely affect pollen function.     

Nutrient stress in young scots pines suffering from needle loss in a dry heath forest

In the early summer of 1987 an untimely needle loss was observed in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) of different ages growing on oliogotrophic mineral soils in Cladina and Calluna-type heath forests in northern Finland. The first symptoms were observed at the beginning of July when current shoot growth was ending and the young needles were flushing. The older needles first yellowed then later turned brown before falling. Needle loss proceeded from the oldest to the younger needle age classes. The trees lost between one and four age classes of needles from earlier growth and retained only the most recent 1 to 3 yr needles. Foliar analysis indicated nutrient stress as revealed by retranslocation of mobile nutrients such as N and insufficient uptake of immobile nutrients such as Ca. The soil nutrient concentration, however, was normal at poor sites and therefore it appears the primary reason for needle Loss is a nutrient stress due to root damage. This damage was caused by unusual weather in the winter of 1986 to 1987, rather than by soluble Al.     

Nutrient stress in young scots pines suffering from needle loss in a dry heath forest

In the early summer of 1987 an untimely needle loss was observed in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) of different ages growing on oliogotrophic mineral soils in Cladina and Calluna-type heath forests in northern Finland. The first symptoms were observed at the beginning of July when current shoot growth was ending and the young needles were flushing. The older needles first yellowed then later turned brown before falling. Needle loss proceeded from the oldest to the younger needle age classes. The trees lost between one and four age classes of needles from earlier growth and retained only the most recent 1 to 3 yr needles. Foliar analysis indicated nutrient stress as revealed by retranslocation of mobile nutrients such as N and insufficient uptake of immobile nutrients such as Ca. The soil nutrient concentration, however, was normal at poor sites and therefore it appears the primary reason for needle loss is a nutrient stress due to root damage. This damage was caused by unusual weather in the winter of 1986 to 1987, rather than by soluble Al.     

Soil properties and tree growth along an altitudinal transect in Ecuadorian tropical montane forest

In tropical montane forests, soil properties change with increasing altitude, and tree‐growth decreases. In a tropical montane forest in Ecuador, we determined soil and tree properties along an altitudinal transect between 1960 and 2450 m asl. In different vegetation units, all horizons of three replicate profiles at each of eight sites were sampled and height, basal area, and diameter growth of trees were recorded. We determined pH and total concentrations of Al, C, Ca, K, Mg, Mn, N, Na, P, S, Zn, polyphenols, and lignin in all soil horizons and in the mineral soil additionally the effective cation‐exchange capacity (CEC). The soils were Cambisols, Planosols, and Histosols. The concentrations of Mg, Mn, N, P, and S in the O horizons and of Al, C, and all nutrients except Ca in the A horizons correlated significantly negatively with altitude. The C : N, C : P, and C : S ratios increased, and the lignin concentrations decreased in O and A horizons with increasing altitude. Forest stature, tree basal area, and tree growth decreased with altitude. An ANOVA analysis indicated that macronutrients (e.g., N, P, Ca) and micronutrients (e.g., Mn) in the O layer and in the soil mineral A horizon were correlated with tree growth. Furthermore, lignin concentrations in the O layer and the C : N ratio in soil affected tree growth. These effects were consistent, even if the effect of altitude was accounted for in a hierarchical statistical model. This suggests a contribution of nutrient deficiencies to reduced tree growth possibly caused by reduced organic‐matter turnover at higher altitudes.     

Nitrogen fertilization effects on foliar nutrient dynamics and autumnal resorption in maidenhair tree (Gingko biloba L.)

We quantified seasonal foliar nutrient dynamics and autumnal N and P resorption of individuals of the deciduous gymnosperm Gingko biloba (maidenhair tree) growing in compacted, urban soils over two years following a single fertilization with 150 kg/ha/yr of N (and no P). Mean foliar nutrient concentrations were more similar to those reported for angiosperm trees than for other gymnosperms. During the autumn following fertilization, 46% and 48 of foliar N and P were resorbed, respectively; during the second year both increased significantly, to 68% of foliar N and 74% of foliar P. Absolute N resorption was also greater during the second year, whereas absolute P resorption did not differ significantly between years. During the second year, the level of N resorption rates was similar to that reported for Larix laricina (larch or tamarack), a needle‐leafed, deciduous gymnosperm, and greater than those reported for broad‐leafed deciduous angiosperms. The level of 1992 P resorption was similar to those reported for a wide range of gymnosperms and greater than those reported for most angiosperms. N fertilization allowed Gingko trees to maintain typical foliar N dynamics even during a persistent drought during which foliar P dynamics were significantly altered.