Content of Sulphur, Some Heavy Metals, and Macroelements in the Assimilation System and their Effect on the Vitality of Fir Trees

1988

S. 85-96

3 Tab., 21 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200048423

An investigation was carried out on 40 cut sample trees (20 fairly vital and 20 trees of poor vitality) taken from experimental plots whose description was given in another paper. The aim of the study was to determine the content of sulphur, zinc, lead, manganese, magnesium, and calcium in one- year and two-year needles from cut firs, and to characterize possible dependences between the amount of the investigated constituents and the vitality of thetrees. The content of the investigated compounds was also compared in the two groups of stands characterized by the value of index II below 0.70 or above 0.70. The experimental plots were represented by the cut sample trees mentioned above. The content of sulphur in the assimilation system of fir was double that found about 25 years ago. Two-year needles of vital trees contained significantly more sulphur than weakened trees. The obtained results suggest that the entire range of fir distribution is polluted with sulphur. With a similar degree of pollution differences in the vitality of trees and stands may result from more favourable habitat conditions, morphological traits of trees (the crown), and also their individual resistance. The synergistic action of sulphur and other compounds may also play an important role. Chemical analysis of the assimilation system of fir showed a fairly large content of zinc. In stands from the regions of Olkusz, Andrychow, and Zagnansk (plot III), and also of Gorlice, Ustron, and Jelesnia the share of Zn in needle dry weight exceeded the norm (66 ppm) for needles of coniferous trees. However, it should be stressed here that according to Kloke no damage caused by zinc excess appears below the concentrations of 500-7500 ppm. In needles from 13 stands the concentrations of lead exceeded the normal content of this metal (3.0-5.4 ppm) 2-3 times. Analyses of increment(index II) and Pb content in particular experimental plots did not permit to f ormulate clear conclusions concerning the toxic action of this metal on fir. The investigated stands classified in two categories of forests as depending uponthe value of index II, differ by the content of manganese (in general, the con tent of this metal in needles varied from 214-5810 ppm). The greater content ofthis constituent was found in the assimilation system from stands with index I I exceeding 0.70, i.e., from the more vital ones. Analyses of Ca, Mg, and K content showed sufficient amounts of these macro-elements in the investigated trees, a significantly greater content of Mg being found in two-year needles of more vital trees.