Needle analyses and graphic vector analyses of Norway spruce and Scots pine stands

Abstract

The aims of this study were to test the nutritional condition of young stands of Norway spruce and Scots pine in southernmost Norway, where atmospheric inputs of anthropogenic nitrogen and strong acids, as well as deposition of magnesium by sea spray, are relatively high. There has been general concern about forest health in this region, specifically about nutrient deficiencies and nitrogen saturation caused by the atmospheric pollution. To expand our knowledge about these subjects, needle analyses and graphic vector analyses, as well as tree vigour index and height growth response to fertiliser application, were used as diagnostic tools. The overall conclusion is that phosphorous limitation is probably more frequent than expected in the coastal zone of southern Norway, especially in spruce on shallow soils. It is hypothesised that phosphorous limitation might be a more general problem or will arise as one in a 30 – 60 km coastal zone stretching from southernmost Sweden along the coast to the north and then westwards along the south coast of Norway. Nitrogen saturation in southernmost Norway might already occur on some sites with shallow soils. Needle analyses and graphic vector analyses can yield erroneous results if stress factors other than nutrient supply, e. g. severe drought, determine the growth rate of trees. In addition, the graphic vector analyses require that nutrients applied to the test plots are available to roots early in the growing season, and that needle nutrient concentrations in late autumn reflect those when the needles were formed.