Environment and Mineral Nutrients of Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in South Sweden

Abstract

Summary The mineral nutrients and nitrogen in beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), as estimated by the concentrations in buds and leaves from 87 sites in south Sweden are related to soil characteristics and to the geographical position with respect to the main pollution source area of the region, the communities surrounding the Sound (population ca. 2.0 mill.). Concentrations of K, P, and N in buds and leaves were usually lower and the mean bud weight higher in the western half of the study area, situated closest to the Sound region. Soil factors alone were less powerful in accounting for the variability of biomass element concentrations than in herbaceous and grarnineous plants previously studied. Considerable vertical differences within the rhizosphere of deep-rooted plants limit the possibility of defining soilplant relationships to elements with considerable differences between sites in soil exchangeable pools, e.g., Mn and Ca. It is concluded that biomass concentrations of chiefly K, P, and Mg are often close to or sometimes even below the level of sufficiency.