Elemental analyses and physiological responses of forest trees in SO2-polluted areas of NE-Bavaria

Many areas of NE-Bavarian Mountains experience relatively high SO₂ concentrations (between 60 and 1400 μg m^?3). Since 1980,Picea abies, Abies alba, andLarix decidua have exhibited needle tipchlorosis and necrosis. Affected trees usually occur on acid soils above 700 m. Needles of affected trees ofP. abies had ample N, P concentrations. However, needle concentrations of Mg were very low, those of Ca, K, Zn of affected trees were relatively low. Although Al, Fe, and Cu concentrations were in the normal range, usually S concentrations were above the toxicity threshold. In the same region low concentrations of Mg were present in foliage ofAbies alba, Larix decidua, Fagus sylvatica, andAcer platanoides that exhibited visible leaf injury. Although some slight changes in water relations occurred, the present evidence suggests that Mg — deficiency may result from acid deposition and that this mineral deficiency may be responsible for tree injury.