Abstract
Long-term observations on the effects of a fertilization treatment on 137 Cs concentrations in forest vegetation are scarce. Needles of Scots pine were used as biological indicators of radionuclide uptake of trees. The fertilization experiments are located in western Finland in an area where radioactive contamination from the Chernobyl accident in 1986 was relatively high (22–75 kBq m−2 ) compared to other parts of Finland. Fertilization treatments included different combinations of major nutrients, i.e. nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium. Needle 137 Cs concentrations of Scots pine were analyzed during 1991–2006. The effect of fertilization on 137 Cs concentration was tested 5 to 20 years after radioactive contamination from the Chernobyl accident in 1986. Fertilization clearly decreased 137 Cs concentration in Scots pine needles 1–21 growing seasons after application. Single K fertilization decreased significantly 137 Cs concentration 21 growing seasons after radioactive deposition on a drained mire. Mineral nutrients (application of commercial fertilizer or wood ash) can well be recommended for remediation of forests contaminated by accidental radionuclide deposition. The site conditions need to be taken into account in planning of remediation.
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