Field Studies on Norway Spruce Trees at High Altitudes. I. Mineral, Pigment and Soluble Protein Contents of Needles as Affected by Climate and Pollution
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Media type:
E-Article
Title:
Field Studies on Norway Spruce Trees at High Altitudes. I. Mineral, Pigment and Soluble Protein Contents of Needles as Affected by Climate and Pollution
Description:
<p>The present study was performed on mature. Norway spruce trees (Picea abies L.) with needle losses in the range of 25-35%. The trees were growing at three altitudes (870, 1270, and 1700 m above sea level) in a mountain forest in the Calcareous Alps of Bavaria. The objectives were to assess the role of climate and pollution in addition to nutrient disorders for damage to spruce trees. During the growing season the average temperature was up to 5<sup>⚬</sup>C lower and the average ozone concentration was about twofold higher at the high altitude in comparison to the low altitude (13 and 18<sup>⚬</sup>C, and 60 and 35 nl 1<sup>-1</sup>ozone, respectively); the average NO<sub>x</sub>and SO<sub>2</sub>concentrations did not exceed 5 nl 1<sup>-1</sup>. Foliar analysis of pollutants did not indicate critical levels of Pb, Cd, Cl, F and S. Biometrical parameters, foliar element composition, pigment and protein content of the needles were determined during four seasons. Average dry:fresh weight ratios, specific needle weights, projected needle areas, soluble protein and carotenoid contents were similar within the 20% range for needles from all three altitudes. Foliar analysis of nutrients indicated a low nutrient status especially for nitrogen, and showed a phosphorus deficiency in needles from the three sites. The chlorophyll content of the needles decreased with increasing altitude. Since nutrient imbalances were greatest in needles from the lowest site, it was concluded that the greater damage to spruce trees and lower chlorophyll content of the needles at altitudes > 1000 m above sea level were not caused by nutrient disorders.</p>