Seasonal patterns of photosynthesis and respiration of red spruce saplings from two elevations in declining southern Appalachian stands

Abstract

Exploratory studies were initiated at two high-elevation red spruce (Picearubens Sarg.) stands in the Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina to document the magnitude and physiological basis of differences in tree growth at the two sites. Increment core data indicate that conditions have become relatively less favorable for mature trees at the upper site during the past 20 years and that annual height growth of sapling trees has been 40% less at that site compared with a similar site at an elevation 215 m lower. Seasonal measurements of net photosynthesis and dark respiration rates of saplings indicated that differences in sapling growth rates at the upper site were associated with increases in dark respiration and less favorable net photosynthesis:dark respiration ratios. Basal diameter increment was most closely associated with differences in current net photosynthesis rates among trees at the upper site, whereas height and diameter growth of the upper canopy related most closely to the net photosynthesis rate among lower-elevation trees. Reduced foliar calcium and magnesium, reduced foliar chlorophyll, increased foliar aluminum, and low ratios of calcium:aluminum were found at the upper site. Tissue and soil aluminum levels that are in the range of those associated with aluminum toxicity to red spruce provide a preliminary indication that current high atmospheric inputs of the strong anions SO4 and NO3 to acidic soils may be adversely affecting growth and physiology of trees at the high-elevation site.