Abstract
Our aim was to determine the long-term effect of a mulching treatment on copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) uptake by tree seedlings (Pinus sylvestris L. and Betula pubescens Ehrh.) from smelter-polluted forest soil in southwesternFinland. A mulch cover spread onto polluted barren soil did not have a clear positive impact on the biomass production and it did not decrease metal uptake by planted tree seedlings during a ten-year study period. In contrast, the Cu uptake by the above-ground parts of birch was increased as a result of mulching, although there were weak indications of slightly reduced availability of Cu and Ni to roots in the case of both species. As Cu and Ni concentrations of foliage and bark have been shown to be strongly affected by surface deposited metal containing aerosols, only the woody compartments were used as indicators of metal uptake from soil. The Cu:Ni ratios of woody compartments were lower than those predicted by the Cu:Ni ratios of soil suggesting that the soil extraction method used gives an underestimation of available Ni in relation to Cu. The lower soil Niexch concentrations on the mulched plots compared to the controls were in agreement with the slightly lower root Ni concentrations in the mulch treatments.
Highlights
Several methods have been developed to ameliorate site conditions and enhance plant establishment and growth on metal contaminated environments
There were no statistically significant differences in biomass production during the ten-year period between the mulch and control treatments, the mean biomasses of both pine and birch tended to be slightly higher on the mulched plots (Figure 1)
Foliage The Cu and Ni concentrations of pine needles tended to increase with age but no statistically significant differences could be found between the treatments (Table 1)
Summary
Several methods have been developed to ameliorate site conditions and enhance plant establishment and growth on metal contaminated environments. Different remediation agents, such as lime and fertilizers [1], compost and beringite mixture [2] and application of mulch [3,4,5,6] have been used in environmental restoration approaches. The vascular plants take up elements mainly by their roots from the soil, even if the foliar uptake of gases and soluble elements may take place [10]. Other factors may limit plant growth, such as macronutrient deficiencies [13] and physical conditions, especially those properties leading to poor water holding, aeration and root penetration [14]
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