Changes in the Growth, Contents of Carbohydrates and Nutrients of Conifers under Long-Term Influence of Alkaline Dust : Causes and Consequences of Accelerating Tree Growth in Europe. Proceedings of the International Seminar

1999

S. 101-118

7 Abb., 3 Tab., zahlr. Lit.

Unselbständiges Werk

200059068

Two-year-old seedlings of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), Black spruce (P. mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.), white spruce (P. glauca (Moench) Voss) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) were planted in a) sample plots influenced by high concentrations of cement dust and b) an unpolluted area. After four years of exposure, the six-year-old trees were dug up in the pre-bud-break period for morphological assessment. The high level of alkaline dust emitted from the cement plant and the concomitant alkalisation of the growth substrate retarded the height growth of trees and caused a decrease in total plant biomass. Contents of carbohydrates, especially soluble sugars tended to decrease. A misbalance in mineral nutrients' composition was found as well as severe manganese deficiency in all species. The partitioning of carbohydrates and mineral nutrients between plant organs had changed significantly.