| Abstract: | Inventory and weathering of silicate minerals in soils at higher elevations of the Interior Bavarian Forest In order to recognize the importance of the soils on the “new-type” Mg-deficiency disease of Norway spruce at higher elevations of the Bavarian Forest representative pedons were characterized morphologically, chemically and mineralogically. The results of the mineralogical inventory and of weathering experiments in laboratory correspond with the facts of the soil-chemical properties: the replenishment of Mg and Ca by weathering is very unsufficient in contrast to K in all investigated soils (soil pH = 4). Considering the intensive leaching in the flat, rooted zone, this fact explains the inadequate contents of exchangeable Mg and Ca in the upper soil horizons and also the Mg-deficiency of the trees being excellent supplied with K, P and N. |
