Cation concentrations of short roots of Norway spruce as affected by acid irrigation and liming

Abstract

The longterm effect of acid irrigation and liming (dolomitic limestone) on the mineral element content of roots of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) was investigated in an 80-year-old Norway spruce stand in South Germany (Bavaria). Soil cores of four soil depths (humic layer, 0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm) were taken over 2 years (August 1991 and August 1992) from six plots with different treatments (control, normal irrigation, acid irrigation solely or in combination with liming) and living short roots selected and analysed for calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn) and aluminium (Al).