Silva Fennica : quarterly issues : 28(1) : sa281041.htm
Variation in needle nutrient concentrations in the crown of Scots pine on peatland
Silva Fennica 28(1): 41–51
Variation in needle nutrient concentrations with age and vertical location in the crown was studied in three Scots pine stands growing on peat soils in eastern Finland. The concentrations of N, P, Fe and Zn decreased down the crown and those of Ca and Mn increased. Potassium and magnesium concentration patterns differed between sites.
Potassium and Mg concentrations were highest in the current needles at all heights in the crown, which was presumably due to retranslocation from the older needles. Calcium, iron and manganese concentrations were highest in the oldest needles. The concentrations of N, P and Zn did not vary with needle age.
The results emphasized the importance of careful selection of sampling point for needle nutrient analysis in the crown of Scots pine.
Keywords
crown, conifer needles, leaf age, plant analysis, nutrient content, Pinus sylvestris
Addresses
The Finnish Forest Research Institute, Joensuu Research Station, P. O. Box 68, 80101 Joensuu, Finland
Accepted 23 June 1994
ISSN 0037-5330