The influence of Mg fertilization on growth and mineral contents of fine roots in (Picea abies [Karst] L.) stands at different stages of decline in NE-Bavaria

The effect of various Mg-fertilizers (MgSO₄; calcined dolomite) on root growth and mineral composition of 40 yr old Norway spruce at different sites and stages of decline was studied. Two years after fertilization, density of living fine roots of Mg-deficient trees had significantly increased on fertilized compared to non-fertilized plots. Only fertilization of calcined dolomite appeared to induce new root formation in the upper mineral soil. No such changes were observed for healthy looking trees at a second experimental site, where base saturation of the bulk soil was also low but trees were sufficiently supplied with Mg. At the third experimental site where foliar analyses reflected a luxurious Ca and Mg but an insufficient K nutrition at high Mg and Ca saturation of the bulk soil, calcined dolomite caused an increase of root growth due to a reinforced antagonism between Ca and Mg competing with K uptake. In general, at the experimental sites the fine root necromass decreased when base saturation of the bulk soil increased. The elemental contents of fine roots from the minenal soil of all three sites under investigation indicated that fine root growth in the mineral soil is strongly related to the root Ca and Mg contents. Root Ca contents seemed to be mainly a function of the Ca availability in the soil. Since there was no close relationship between fine root growth and the Ca/Al molar ratio in living fine roots, Al toxicity may not completely account for the differences in root growth and nutrition on the experimental sites.     

The effects of forest liming on fertilization on fine-root growth

Results are reported from the investigations of fine-root development in Norway spruce and Scots pine stands in South and Central Sweden, subjected to different liming and fertilization regimes. The growth responses of the fine roots to varying mineral nutrient regimes seem to be dependent on the tree species, the age of the tree population and soil conditions. Nitrogen fertilization in some of the investigated stands had negative effects on the development of fine roots, resulting in a reduction in the amount of fine roots to about 50% of that in the control. However, negative effects were not consistent in all stands, positive growth responses were also obtained. In these stands, the amount of fine roots was increased by 2 to 3 times. Liming in combination with fertilization resulted in a strong decrease in the amount of fine roots to about 30% of that in the control in some of the investigated stands. Liming in high doses is expected to produce a persistent increase in pH (H₂O and base saturation in the soil. However, results from the present study suggest that liming may have a negative effect on the development of tree fine roots, particularly in areas with a high N deposition. The application of crushed dolomite had less negative effects on fine root development than crushed calcitric lime and different types of residue products, such as wood and peat ashes.     

The effects of forest liming on fertilization on fine-root growth

Results are reported from the investigations of fine-root development in Norway spruce and Scots pine stands in South and Central Sweden, subjected to different liming and fertilization regimes. The growth responses of the fine roots to varying mineral nutrient regimes seem to be dependent on the tree species, the age of the tree population and soil conditions. Nitrogen fertilization in some of the investigated stands had negative effects on the development of fine roots, resulting in a reduction in the amount of fine roots to about 50% of that in the control. However, negative effects were not consistent in all stands, positive growth responses were also obtained. In these stands, the amount of fine roots was increased by 2 to 3 times. Liming in combination with fertilization resulted in a strong decrease in the amount of fine roots to about 30% of that in the control in some of the investigated stands. Liming in high doses is expected to produce a persistent increase in pH (H₂O) and base saturation in the soil. However, results from the present study suggest that liming may have a negative effect on the development of tree fine roots, particularly in areas with a high N deposition. The application of crushed dolomite had less negative effects on fine root development than crushed calcitric lime and different types of residue products, such as wood and peat ashes.     

The Effects of AlCl3 Additions on Rhizosphere Soil and Fine Root Chemistry of Sugar Maple (Acer Saccharum)

Increased Al mobilization and Ca and Mg leaching have been linked to nutritional imbalances in sugar maple across the northeastern US and Canada. The susceptibility of sugar maple fine roots to Al stress is poorly understood, in part because roots respond to Al stress by altering the chemistry of the rhizosphere. AlCl₃ was applied to plots of sugar maple at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, NH. After two years of treatment, we sampled fine roots of sugar maple, rhizosphere soil, and bulk soil in the Oa horizon and the upper 10 cm of the mineral soil. AlCl₃ treatments resulted in significantly less Ca (21%) and Mg (30%) in fine roots from the organic horizon, but had no significant effect on fine root Al. Fine root (Ca+Mg):Al ratios were 42% lower in AlCl₃ plots than in controls, though most roots had ratios above critical toxicity thresholds developed for hydroponically grown sugar maple seedlings. In the mineral horizon, roots differed only in Mg concentration, which was 22% lower in AlCl₃ plots. In the AlCl₃ treated plots, rhizosphere soil in the organic horizon had 47% greater Al and 29% less Mg than in controls. Combining data from both treatments we found significantly less Al and organically bound Al in rhizosphere soil than in bulk soil, possibly due to leaching of Al from the rhizosphere by organic acids released by roots. These results suggest that increased mobilization of Al in soil lowers (Ca+Mg):Al ratios in sugar maple fine roots, though roots may minimize Al stress by leaching Al from the rhizosphere.     

Elemental patterns in roots and foliage of mature spruce across a gradient of soil aluminium

Tissue concentrations of Al in red and Norway spruce trees were compared across 5 sites in North America and Europe as part of an investigation of Al biogeochemistry in forested ecosystems (ALBIOS). Fine roots and foliage were sampled and analyzed for Al, Ca, Mg, and P, and the chemistry of soil and soil solutions was characterized at each plot by horizon. Sites exhibited a wide range in soil Al saturation and in concentrations of Al and sulfate in lysimeter solutions. Aluminium concentrations in roots were two orders of magnitude higher than those in foliage. Fine roots (<1.0 mm) from B horizons had the highest Al concentrations and appeared to be the best phytoindicators of plant-available Al. Aluminium concentrations in fine roots from B horizons were highly correlated with soil solution monomeric Al, and with Al in 0.01 M SrC₂. soil extracts. Stronger soil Al extractants were generally poor predictors of concentrations of Al in plant tissue. Sites with higher levels of plant-available Al supported spruce trees with correspondingly lower foliar levels of Ca and Mg. As such, these field sites provided circumstantial evidence that Al may be interfering with Ca and Mg uptake and transport. No evidence was found of Al interference with P uptake or transport at these sites.     

硒对烤烟生长、化学指标及矿质营养元素含量的影响

为探讨不同浓度的硒(Se)对植物生长、化学指标及矿质营养元素含量的影响,本研究以云烟87为试验材料,采用盆栽试验方法,研究了不同硒浓度对烤烟生长、化学指标及烤烟根、茎、叶中矿质元素N、P、K、Ca、Mg、Mn、Zn、Cu累积的影响。结果表明,土壤施硒(亚硒酸钠)4.4 mg·kg-1时,烟叶中烟碱、蛋白和还原糖等含量处于最适范围,根、茎、叶中矿质元素N、P、K、Ca、Mg、Mn、Zn、Cu的含量达到最大值。低硒处理(Se≤4.4 mg·kg-1)显著提高了烤烟各部位对矿质元素的吸收,尤其对N、K、Ca、Mg、Mn的影响最为显著,从而促进了烤烟的生长,烟叶化学成分更加协调;而高硒处理(Se≥11.1 mg·kg-1)则降低了烤烟各部位对矿质元素的吸收,尤其对N、P、K的影响最显著,从而抑制了烤烟的生长。土壤中不同硒浓度通过调控植物对矿质元素的吸收进而影响植物的生长和化学指标,该研究结果为指导富硒烟叶的生产提供了理论依据。     

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.     

四季柚生育期叶片和果实中矿质元素含量变化的研究

本研究以四季柚为试材,定期测定果实发育周期内叶片与果实的矿质元素含量,研究四季柚叶片和果实矿质养分需求特征与相关性,为树体营养科学调控,优质高效施肥提供理论依据。结果显示,叶片生长过程中N、 P元素含量呈逐渐下降趋势,K、 Ca、 Mg、 B、 Zn含量呈先增后降趋势,S含量总体保持上升趋势,Fe含量呈现先降后稳再上升趋势,Cu含量总体较稳定,Mn含量呈现出先上升后下降再上升趋势; 果实生长过程中,N、 P、 K、 Ca、 S含量呈下降趋势,Mg含量呈现先升后降的趋势,微量元素中Fe、 Mn元素含量变化幅度较小,B、 Zn、 Cu元素含量变化趋势略有不同。叶片与果实之间矿质元素协同吸收作用较弱,而果实与果皮之间作用较强。研究表明,萌芽前应适当增施氮、 磷肥,6月中旬增施钙肥,7月中旬增施钾肥和镁肥,以及重视微量元素肥料的应用。     

上海松柏古树生长与土壤肥力因子的关系

【目的】松柏古树是上海古树的重要组成部分。土壤肥力状况影响松柏古树的生长,研究不同生长点的土壤性质,并分析其对松柏古树生长的影响,为松柏古树的土壤管理提供理论依据。【方法】以上海地区不同生长点的松柏古树为试验对象,测定了土壤的理化性质 (土壤容重、通气孔隙度、pH值、EC值) 和养分 (有机质、水解氮、有效磷、速效钾及钙、镁、铁、锌),对土壤肥力进行了评价,并进一步分析了土壤对松柏古树生长的影响。【结果】上海松柏古树的土壤pH值为中性偏碱性,可溶性盐分整体较适中,有机质、水解氮的供应水平较高,速效钾供应充足,有效磷供应水平偏低,土壤中的钙、镁、铁、锌含量较为丰富,不存在中毒现象。松柏古树的生长受根系的菌根侵染率影响,与根系的菌根侵染率呈显著正相关,侵染率越高,生长越好;松柏古树的生长与土壤的理化性质有关,与土壤通气孔隙度呈显著正相关、与容重呈显著负相关,通气孔隙度越大,容重越小,生长越好。【结论】目前上海松柏古树的土壤容重偏大,通气孔隙度小,存在通气不良现象。在实际保护松柏古树过程中,宜采取提高菌根侵染率、提高土壤孔隙度、提供充足的有机质和降低土壤容重等措施。     

EARLY FLOODING OF TWO CULTIVARS OF TROPICAL MAIZE. II. NUTRITIONAL RESPONSES

The level of oxygen in soils affects the bio-availability of nutrients as well as the ability of root systems to uptake and transport water and mineral nutrients. However, efforts addressing management practices to reduce yield losses after transient flooding have had limited success. Since after-drainage nitrogen (N) fertilization has been proposed to mitigate crop damage, a closer examination of plant nutrient acquisition during this period is required. In this work, we compare the short-term changes in the tissue levels of macronutrients [N, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg)] in two varieties of tropical maize differing in tolerance to poor soil drainage, after a six day period under water saturated conditions, early during the vegetative growth. Two Venezuelan varieties, one labeled as tolerant and the other as susceptible to limited soil drainage, were planted in 10-kg pots and flooded at the seventh-leaf-tip (V4) stage. Treatments included a post-drainage N fertilization. Plant responses were compared to corresponding non-flooded plants. Flooding the soil reduced concentrations of macronutrients in shoots, compared to well aerated plants. Calcium and Mg levels were also reduced in roots, whereas K concentrations increased. After a post-drainage recovery period, nutrient concentration in shoots of flooded plants were above those of non-flooded ones, due to higher uptake rates. The only exception was P, where reduced acquisition appears to limit plant recovery. A post-flood N-urea fertilization increased the concentrations of N, Ca and Mg in shoots, but failed to increase shoot growth after 15 days. Differences in the pattern of Ca accumulation suggested a possible role of Ca nutrition in the tolerance of maize to flooding.     

DOWNWARD MOVEMENT OF DOLOMITE,KIESERITE OR A MIXTURE OF CaCO3 AND KIESERITE THROUGH THE UPPER LAYERS OF AN ACID FOREST SOIL

Liming and fertilization are important tools for improving the chemical status of acid, base poor forest soils. The downward movement of dolomite, kieserite and a mixture of CaCO₃ and kieserite was investigated by monitoring the leachates and exchangeable cation composition from single and combined horizon columns, reconstructed from an acid brown forest soil profile (0–15 cm). Upon entering the soil, Mg ions from kieserite displaced base cations and acidity (H and Al ions) from exchange sites, which subsequently moved down with the mobile SO₄ ^2- anions. Total leaching during the initial SO₄ ^2- pulse was similar with the CaCO₃ + kieserite mixture. Compared to the single kieserite treatment, the joint application of CaCO₃ greatly increased the proportion of Ca in the leachates from all horizons. It also decreased the leaching of acidity from the surface Oe horizon and prevented pH from dropping under this layer. With both treatments, the redistribution of magnesium with SO₄ ^2- anions resulted in a rapid increase in exchangeable Mg contents throughout the studied columns. Due to the important charge increase in the Oe horizon and to kinetic restraints imposed on dissolution, downward movement of Ca and Mg ions from dolomite was very limited. Mg was however much more mobile than Ca. In the CaCO₃ + kieserite and dolomite treatments, the migration of alkalinity and base cations with time was associated with a decrease in exchangeable acidity and an increase in ECEC in the two upper soil layers. By the end of the monitoring period, overall net Mg retention in the 0–15 cm columns increased in the order kieserite < CaCO₃ + kieserite << dolomite with respectively 20, 35 and 85% of cumulated inputs remaining in the columns. The corresponding net Ca retention amounted to 82 and 96% of cumulated inputs for the CaCO₃ + kieserite and dolomite treatments, respectively. Results from this study complement those obtained in the field by clearly demonstrating the mechanisms involved in the downward movement of some fertilizers commonly used to increase the base saturation of acid forest soils.     

NUTRIENT PARTITIONING IN POTTED PEACH (PRUNUS PERSICA L.) TREES SUPPLIED WITH MINERAL AND ORGANIC FERTILIZERS

The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of organic fertilization on nutrient uptake and partitioning in potted peach trees. The study was carried out on 72 peach (Prunus persica L.) plants. The following treatments were compared: 1) unfertilized control, 2) mineral fertilization [713 mg nitrogen (N), 119 mg phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅), 476 mg potassium oxide (K₂O) pot^?1], 3) cow manure (119 g dw pot^?1) and 4) compost (119 g dw pot^?1). Compared to the untreated control, plant biomass was improved by supplying cow manure and compost. Potassium concentration in fine roots and leaves was higher in compost treated trees. Leaf concentrations of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were decreased by applications of compost and cow manure. Nutrient concentrations in fine roots were always positively correlated with nutrients in coarse roots, only N showed a negative correlation. With the exception of Ca and Mg, macronutrients removed by trees were higher after compost fertilization than in unfertilized controls.     

Accumulation of nutrients at the surface of roots of blight‐affected orange trees

Abstract

Soil pH and the levels of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) in the soil at the root surface and the surrounding soil were compared under healthy and citrus blight‐affected orange trees at two locations. The feeder roots were also analyzed for these elenents. Potassium, Ca, and Mg were highest in the rhizosphere of blighted trees, with some, but lower accumulation around healthy roots. Potassium was higher and Fe, Mn, and Zn were lower in feeder roots of blighted than of healthy trees.     

Effects of air pollutants on mineral nutrition of Norway spruce and revitalization of declining stands in Austria

The vigor of Norway spruce stands in the Bohemian Forest of Austria was correlated with site factors, informations on historic land use, and chemical properties of the soils and spruce needles. The study confirmed that trees on west exposed slopes and plateaus in higher elevation have lower crown densities. The soils in the area are generally low in base saturation. Historical land use, such as litter raking, grazing and burning of biomass for potash led to nutrient depletion. Increasing deposition of atmospheric N during the last decades alleviated N stress, but increased Ca and Mg stress. N∶Mg ratios in needles of declining stands are wide, indicating N induced nutritional imbalances. PH values in the mineral topsoil are very low on W-slopes and plateaus. Measurements of pollutant deposition at three different sites indicate a strong influence of aspect and elevation on input rates. In a southwest exposed stand and a stand on a hilltop, facing the prevailing winds, substantially more S and N was recovered in the throughfall than in northeast exposed stand. Deposition rates in the open did not differ significantly. High NO₃ ^? concentrations in the soil solution of the southwest exposed site indicate N saturation of the system. In order to test the hypothesis that mineral deficiency and nutritional disorders contribute to the poor vigor of these stands, fertilizer experiments were established. Fertilization with a combination of an organic fertilizer (BACTOSOL^**)) and a magnesite fertilizer (BIOMAG^*)) significantly improved crown density, growth, seed viability, and mineral nutrition as inferred from foliar analysis. NO₃ ^? leaching in the combined BACTOSOL+BIOMAG treatment increased during the first and second growing season after fertilization but leveled off to values typical for the control plots after three years. Mg content of the soil solution increased both in the BIOMAG and the combined BACTOSOL+BIOMAG treatment. These experiments show that the nutritional status and the resilience of declining forests in the Bohemian Forests of Austria can be easily improved by proper fertilizer treatment.     

Visualization of root growth in heterogeneously contaminated soil using neutron radiography

We used neutron radiography (NR), a non-invasive and in situ technique, to study living plant roots in soil. Plant roots have a larger water content than their unsaturated surrounding media. As water strongly attenuates a neutron-beam, NR can identify root structures in detail. We investigated the use of NR to visualize the root growth of lupin in quartz sand and in a loamy sand field soil. Further experiments elucidated the root growth of lupin in the loamy sand heterogeneously contaminated with 10 and 20 mg kg⁻¹ boron (B) and 100 mg kg⁻¹ zinc (Zn). We obtained high-quality images of root growth dynamics in both media with a resolution range of 110–270 μm. The images with quartz sand revealed fine structures such as proteoid roots that are difficult to locate in situ by other methods without destruction of the soil. Though quartz sand provided excellent visibility of roots, it proved to be a poor medium for growing plants, probably because of its bulk density (1.8 Mg m⁻³). The images with field soil showed normal root growth with slightly less contrast than the quartz sand. The poorer contrast was due to the greater neutron interaction with soil water and soil organic matter. In the heterogeneously contaminated soil, root growth was significantly reduced in the contaminated part of the soil in all B and Zn treatments. This study shows that NR has potential as a non-invasive method to investigate root growth over time as well as the response of roots to various abiotic stress factors.     

Effects of enhanced supplies of nitrogen and sulphur on rhizosphere and soil chemistry in a Norway spruce stand in SW Sweden

Rhizophere and bulk soil chemistry were investigated in a Norway spruce stand in SW Sweden. The rhizosphere and bulk soil chemistry in water extracts in control plots (C) and plots repeatedly treated with ammonium sulphate (NS) were compared. Treatment regime was started in 1988. Cylindrical core samples of the LFH-layer and mineral soil layers were collected in 1992 and used for water extract analyses. Samples of soil from LFH-layer and mineral soil layers were taken in 1991 and 1993 for determination of CEC and base saturation. Soil pH and NH₄-N, NO₃-N and SO₄-S, Al, Ca, K and Mg concentrations in water extracts were measured for rhizosphere and bulk soils. The pH-values of bulk and rhizosphere soils in NS plots decreased compared with those in control plots, whereas concentrations of NH₄-N, NO₃-N, SO₄-S, base cations and Al in water extract increased. In both bulk and rhizosphere soils the concentration of NH₄-N was much higher than that of NO₃-N. A significant difference in the pH and Mg concentration of bulk and rhizosphere soil between the treated and control plots was found only in the 0–10 cm layer. For all layers, there was a significant difference in NH₄-N concentrations in the bulk and rhizosphere soil between the NS treatment and control plots. Concentrations of exchangeable base cations and the base saturation level in the LFH-layer decreased in the NS plots. The concentration of extractable SO₄-S increased in the NS plots. The NS treatment enhanced the amount of litter in L-layer, owing to increases in needle biomass and litterfall but led to losses of base cations, mainly K and Mg, from LFH-layer. It was concluded that the NS treatment displaced cations from exchangeable sites in the LFH-layer leading to higher concentrations of these elements in both rhizosphere and bulk soil.     

硅钙钾镁肥配施黄腐酸钾对土壤酶活性及桃幼树生长的影响

为探究硅钙钾镁肥配施黄腐酸钾对桃树生长的效应,以盆栽一年生瑞蟠21号毛桃(Amygdalus persica Linn.)为试验材料,设置3种不同施肥方式(T1:硅钙钾镁;T2:硅钙钾镁+黄腐酸钾;CK:空白对照),在桃幼树生长季进行追肥处理,研究硅钙钾镁肥及硅钙钾镁肥配施黄腐酸钾对土壤酶活性、土壤养分状况及桃幼树根系构型和植株生长的影响。结果表明,与CK相比,T1、T2均显著提高了桃幼树生长季各时期土壤酸性磷酸酶、脲酶和过氧化氢酶活性,以及土壤中碱解氮、有效磷、速效钾和有效硅等含量,且配施黄腐酸钾后作用更明显。与CK相比,T1、T2细根比重分别提高了11.2%和26.2%,根系活力分别提高了12.2%和18.1%,根系总长度分别增加了28.1%和61.9%,且有效延缓了根系衰老;T1、T2植株总干重分别提高了1.2倍和2.0倍,根冠比分别提高了9.4%和17.0%,且差异显著。与CK相比,T1、T2各器官中全氮、全磷、全钾含量均显著增加,地上部硅含量分别提高了61.3%和91.9%,地下部硅含量分别提高了62.3%和102.5%,且差异显著。同时,T1、T2桃幼树叶片叶绿素含量和净光合速率均显著提高。综上所述,硅钙钾镁肥可有效提高土壤酶活,促进桃幼树细根的生长,延缓根系衰老进程,增加氮、磷、钾、硅等营养元素积累量,提高叶片光合速率,促进植株生长;硅钙钾镁肥配施黄腐酸钾后,提高了土壤有效硅及植株硅含量,比单施硅钙钾镁肥效果更加显著。本研究结果为桃树合理施用硅钙钾镁肥提供了理论依据。     

Düngung mit gebranntem Magnesit und Magnesiumhydroxid zur Standortmelioration in einem stark geschädigten Fichtenökosystem

Fertilization with calcined magnesite and Mg-hydroxide for site amelioration in a heavily damaged Norway spruce ecosystem Fertilization experiments with calcined magnesite and Mg-hydroxide were carried out in a heavily damaged, 60-year old Norway spruce ecosystem at Hohe Matzen in the Fichtelgebirge/NE-Bavaria. The site is characterized by high atmospheric inputs with deposition rates of 1.25 kg H, 42 kg S, and 32 kg N per ha and year, and low pH-values of the soil (typic Dystrochrept derived from granite). The trees show severe symptoms of needle yellowing due to Mg-deficiency. Fertilization resulted in manyfold increased Mg-concentrations in soil solution down to 70 cm soil depth and a significant increase of pH down to 25 cm mineral soil depth. Nitrate concentrations were higher after fertilization, but decreased within 15–24 months below the control level. The higher solubility of the Mg-hydroxide resulted in an earlier and clearer pH-increase paralleled by a decrease of the NO₃-concentrations. As a mean over the whole experimentation period no increased N-output from the soil was found after hydroxide application. Fertilization also increased the amount of exchangeable Mg down to 40 cm mineral soil depth. Application of Mg-hydroxide leads to higher Mg-contents in recent-year needles three vegetation periods after fertilization. The lower solubility of magnesite results in a half- to one-year delay in its effects on soil chemical parameters with no reaction of the needle contents within this period.     

Effects of experimental acidification and alkalinization on soil and growth and health of Acer saccharum Marsh.

Experimental application of eight acidifying, neutral, or alkalizer compounds (range: –16 to 16 kmol ha^–1 of acid‐neutralizing capacity [ANC]) was realized in two northern hardwood stands having significantly different soil base saturation (BS) (a “poor” and a “rich” site) to assess responses of soil physico‐chemical properties, and nutrition, growth, and health of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) trees in the short (3 y) and longer term (10 y). The treatments influenced the main indicators of acidity in the forest floor (soil exchangeable‐Ca saturation [S_Ca], BS, exchangeable‐acidity saturation [S_H+Al], and the S_Ca/S_H+Al ratio) at both sites, their values increasing (decreasing for S_H+Al) along the ANC treatment gradient in both the short and longer term, except for pH. Base saturation of the upper 15 cm of the mineral B horizons of soils was influenced at the two sites 10 y after treatment application. Although ANC treatments affected nutrient concentrations of tree foliage in the short term, their effect was no longer detectable after 10 y at the two sites. Growth, however, was strongly related to ANC treatments after 10 y, but only at the poor site. From 1990 to 2000, the basal‐area growth rate of trees at the poor site was (mean ± SE) –0.62 ± 0.28 cm² y^–2 tree^–1 for the most negative ANC treatment to +0.90 ± 0.20 cm² y^–2 tree^–1 for the most positive ANC treatment. A climatic‐stress episode occurring in 1995/96 appeared to accentuate the growth decline of trees subjected to the most negative ANC treatment at the poor site. The experimental results support the hypothesis that atmospheric acid deposition load can cause forest soil base‐cation depletion, acidification, and predispose sugar maple to health and growth decline in the longer term in base‐cation‐poor soils, and that the phenomenon may be reversible by adding alkalizers.     

The in situ root chamber: A novel tool for the experimental analysis of root competition in forest soils

Competition between the roots of mature trees in mixed forests is not well understood because adequate methods for studying this interaction under field conditions are not yet available. We present a novel root chamber (size: 90×70×30 mm) that allows growth monitoring of individual tree fine roots in the soil while altering root competition situations experimentally. Fine roots of mature trees that were carefully uncovered from the soil were allowed to grow for several months in the chamber which contained soil material from the root's close proximity. Fine root increment was quantified by optical root length determination at the beginning and the end of the experiment. By placing individual fine roots of a tree species together with a second conspecific or allospecific root, the chamber allows one to simulate conditions of intra- and interspecific competition, and to test hypotheses on intensity and direction of root competition in the soil of mixed forests.We investigated the applicability of the root chamber in a mature beech–oak mixed forest in which beech is known to be a superior competitor above-ground. One-hundred and six chambers with different combinations of beech and oak fine roots were exposed in the soil for 180 or 438 d. In two-species chambers, which contained one beech and one oak root allowing for interspecific competition, beech fine roots grew significantly faster than oak roots. Furthermore, beech roots tended to show a higher growth rate in two-species chambers than in single-species chambers (two beech roots: intraspecific competition). In contrast, oak roots tended to grow slower when placed together with beech than when growing together with oak. By expressing the competitive strength of beech and oak roots with the relative competition intensity (RCI) index, evidence of asymmetric interspecific root competition in favour of beech was obtained.The potentials of this technique are related to the fact that replicated experiments with fine roots of adult trees can be conducted in the field; a certain artificiality, which is inherent to all rhizosphere experiments, represents the main limitation. From this study we conclude that while there are some limitations, in situ root chambers represent an important step towards the experimental analysis of root competition in forests.