Variation in Scots pine needle longevity and nutrient conservation in different habitats and latitudes

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 1599-1604 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margus Pensa ◽  
Risto Jalkanen ◽  
Valdo Liblik
Keyword(s):  
Scots Pine ◽  
Nutrient Concentration ◽  
Shoot Growth ◽  
Shoot Length ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Species Variation ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Needle Age ◽  
Needle Longevity ◽  
Nutrient Conservation

Within-species variation in needle traits is an important characteristic of conifers enabling trees to grow in different environments. We compared mean needle age (NA), shoot growth, and nutrient conservation in Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) populations in different habitats and latitudes (peatlands and Vaccinium -type stands in Estonia (59°N) and Lapland (66°30′N)). In Vaccinium-type stands, trees with higher NA (mostly in Lapland) had lower shoot length increment and lower concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus in current-year needles than trees with low NA (mostly in Estonia). However, in peatlands, variation in NA (which was as high as in the Vaccinium-type stands) was weakly or insignificantly related to shoot growth and needle nutrient concentration. Within latitudes, pines with different shoot length increments and needle nutrient concentrations tend to have similar NAs. Resorption efficiency and concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus in senescent needles decreased with the initial concentrations of these nutrients in green needles. Our results demonstrate that slow growth and low needle nutrient concentration are not necessarily followed by higher NA and greater nutrient conservation in Scots pine. This is the opposite of the results often obtained in among-species comparisons or within species along latitudinal and altitudinal gradients.

scholarly journals Needle longevity as a criterion of response to a climatic fluctuation (so called heat wave) in Scots pine populations at early phases of ontogeny

2012 ◽  
Vol 58 (No. 1) ◽  
pp. 27-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Nárovec ◽  
J. Nárovcová
Keyword(s):  
Scots Pine ◽  
Heat Waves ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Needle Age ◽  
Local Climate ◽  
Dry Spells ◽  
Needle Longevity ◽  
Reproduction Period ◽  
The Impact

The paper presents results of an assessment of needle age classes in Scots pine partial populations in the period of three and five years after outplanting in a lowland site in relation to conditions created by climatic elements. The method is based on Skuhravý’s (1987) description when the state of needle age classes of the third whorl (from the apex) is evaluated just once. Five-year summary of meteorological data was assessed according to the criteria of determination of periods of heat waves and dry spells. Differences in numbers of living needle age classes in the groups of Scots pine populations in the period of three and five years after their outplanting in permanent lowland sites proved the highest total number of living needle classes in the group of local lowland populations. On the contrary, the lowest total number of living needle classes was found out in the group of mountain populations. Critical climatic periods are overlaps of heat waves and dry spells that illustrate the complexity of moisture and temperature conditions of lowland sites. Although the Scots pine is a xerophytic species, it responded to the cumulation of adverse factors by accelerated needle senescence. Its physiological response to heat and dry stress consists in needle shedding, i.e. reduction in the assimilating area. As mountain populations are not usually exposed to heat waves, the impact of this phenomenon on them was the highest. On the other hand, the local (lowland) populations carrying information on the patterns of local climate from the reproduction period do not undergo any marked reduction in needle age classes.  

Foliar Nutrient Concentration Differences Between Provenances of Douglas Fir and Their Significance to Foliar Analysis Interpretation

1973 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 323-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. van den Driessche
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Concentration ◽  
Coastal Region ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Shoot Length ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Foliar Nutrient Concentration ◽  
Foliar N ◽  
Foliar Nutrient ◽  
Foliar Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
The Relationship

Foliar nutrient concentration differences between provenances, and the relationship between foliar nutrient levels and provenance growth was examined in Douglas fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) from the coastal region of British Columbia.In the first experiment differences in foliar nutrient concentrations among four provenances of 3-year old plants, ranged from 8 to 18%. The relationships between these provenances differed according to whether needle, or whole plant nutrient concentrations were considered.In the second experiment 2-year old plants of three provenances, grown under four fertilizer regimes, at each of three nurseries, showed that differences in growth and foliar nutrient concentrations between provenances were affected by nursery. The degree of correlation between shoot length and foliage nutrient concentration varied according to provenance. Coefficients for the regression of shoot length on foliar N and K differed between provenances even when provenance foliar N and K levels were similar. It was suggested that the relationship between foliar nutrient concentrations and shoot length may differ between provenances.

Needle longevity of Scots pine in relation to foliar nitrogen content, specific leaf area, and shoot growth in different forest types

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 1225-1231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margus Pensa ◽  
Arne Sellin
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Content ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Scots Pine ◽  
Specific Leaf Area ◽  
Specific Pattern ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Forest Types ◽  
Needle Age ◽  
Needle Longevity ◽  
Length Increment

The aim of the study was to examine whether the variation in needle longevity of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is of a community-specific nature. Altogether 300 trees were examined in Vaccinium, dry heath, and pine bog forests in Estonia. Mean number of needle age-classes was 4.1 for all forest types, while mean survivorship of needles averaged 70% in Vaccinium forests and 80% in the others (p < 0.01). Mean mass-based nitrogen content (Nm) of the needles was the highest in Vaccinium forests (11.8 mg·g–1, p < 0.05) and lower in dry heath (10.4 mg·g–1) and pine bog (9.8 mg·g–1) forests. Specific leaf area (SLA) did not differ between Vaccinium (6.3 mm2·mg–1) and dry heath (6.0 mm2·mg–1) forests but was lower in pine bog forests (5.5 mm2·mg–1, p < 0.05). Shoot length increment was the smallest in pine bog forests (45.1 mm·year–1, p < 0.05) and did not differ between Vaccinium (92.2 mm·year–1) and dry heath (95.2 mm·year–1) forests. Our findings confirm that the small-scale variation in needle longevity of Scots pine has a community-specific pattern and is in accordance with the trends in Nm and SLA.

Scots pine needle longevity and gradation of needle shedding along pollution gradients

2001 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jukka Lamppu ◽  
Satu Huttunen
Keyword(s):  
Scots Pine ◽  
Age Structure ◽  
Time Span ◽  
Marked Variation ◽  
Pine Needle ◽  
Pollution Gradient ◽  
Needle Age ◽  
Vegetation Zones ◽  
Adult Trees ◽  
Needle Longevity

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) needle longevity and gradation of needle shedding (the time span with 90–10% needle survival) in the middle and northern boreal vegetation zones were studied. The duration of the first half of gradual shedding (the time span with 90–50% needle survival) was of special interest, because it represents the number of youngest cohorts that have lost needle biomass. Branches of adult trees along transects with an air pollution gradient were sampled. Mean longevity (the sum of survival proportions) decreased 15–40% as pollution sources were approached. To rank or compare the values of a single needle age parameter, we prefer to use mean longevity. It gives an estimate of the whole needle biomass, and it was the parameter with the least variation. The first half of gradual shedding proved to be a valid indicator of changes in needle age structure. The most marked variation in needle age structure was seen in slightly polluted areas, which continued to pose a risk of acute pollution injuries. This study confirmed the feasibility of the needle age structure of branch samples as an objective and reliable vitality indicator for Scots pine.

Contrasting nitrogen and phosphorus resorption efficiencies in trees and lianas from a tropical montane rain forest in Xishuangbanna, south-west China

2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi-quan Cai ◽  
Frans Bongers
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Cycling ◽  
Rain Forest ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Nutrient Resorption ◽  
Plant Functional Groups ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Montane Rain Forest ◽  
Adaptive Mechanisms ◽  
Nutrient Conservation

Tropical montane rain forest is widely considered to be a highly threatened hotspot of global diversity (Brummitt & Nic Lughadha 2003), and one of the least understood humid tropical forest ecosystems in terms of nutrient cycling (Bruijnzeel & Proctor 1995). There is, therefore, an urgent need to improve our understanding of nutrient cycling processes in this ecosystem, including the absorption of nutrients (mainly N and P) from senescing leaves, which may be a key component of adaptive mechanisms that conserve limiting nutrients (Killingbeck 1996). Nutrients which are not resorbed, however, will be circulated through litterfall in the longer term (Aerts 1996). The degree of nutrient resorption affects litter quality, which consequently affects decomposition rates and soil nutrient availability (Aerts & Chapin 2000). The importance of resorption in nutrient conservation has led to general hypotheses that species adapted to nutrient-poor environments have high resorption efficiencies (Richardson et al. 2005), and that low leaf nutrient concentrations are associated with high resorption efficiencies within species (Aerts 1996, Kobe et al. 2005). Nutrient resorption has also been shown not to differ greatly between growth forms (e.g. shrubs, grasses, forbs and trees) (Aerts 1996). However, its relative importance among plant functional groups is still highly controversial (Richardson et al. 2005).

scholarly journals Cytokinin and Ethephon Affect Crop Load, Shoot Growth, and Nutrient Concentration of `Empire' Apple Trees

HortScience ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 28 (10) ◽  
pp. 1011-1014 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.C. Elfving ◽  
R.A. Cline
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Concentration ◽  
Shoot Growth ◽  
Fruit Set ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Crop Load ◽  
Fruit Flesh ◽  
Foliar Nutrient ◽  
Foliar Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Commercial Crop

Benzyladenine (BA) applied postbloom at 125 and 250 mg·liter-1 thinned `Empire' apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) trees below commercial crop levels but thinned less than thidiazuron (THI) at 62 and 125 mg·liter-1. Ethephon (ETH) applied up to 250 mg·liter-1 reduced fruit set only slightly. When BA was tank-mixed with ETH, thinning was the same as with BA alone. Although THI thinned more, BA resulted in a larger increase in fruit weight. Seed development was nearly eliminated by THI, but was unaffected by either BA or ETH. Thinner effects on foliar nutrient concentrations were associated with changes in fruit load but not shoot growth. The effects of BA and ETH on fruit-flesh nutrient concentrations were similar to their effects on foliar nutrient concentrations. Although THI thinned strongly and produced large changes in foliar nutrient concentrations and seed count, THI resulted in virtually no changes in fruit-flesh nutrient concentrations. Chemical names used: N-(phenylmethyl)-1 H-purine-6-amine (benzyladenine); 2-chlorophosphonic acid (ethephon); N-phenyl-N'-1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-ylurea (thidiazuron).

scholarly journals Nitrogen and Phosphorus Uptake Dynamics in Tropical Cerrado Woodland Streams

Water ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1080 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nícolas Reinaldo Finkler ◽  
Flavia Tromboni ◽  
Iola Boëchat ◽  
Björn Gücker ◽  
Davi Gasparini Fernandes Cunha
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
Pollution Abatement ◽  
Phosphorus Uptake ◽  
Soluble Reactive Phosphorus ◽  
Nitrogen Retention ◽  
Water Velocity ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Lotic Ecosystem

Pollution abatement through phosphorus and nitrogen retention is a key ecosystem service provided by streams. Human activities have been changing in-stream nutrient concentrations, thereby altering lotic ecosystem functioning, especially in developing countries. We estimated nutrient uptake metrics (ambient uptake length, areal uptake rate, and uptake velocity) for nitrate (NO3–N), ammonium (NH4–N), and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) in four tropical Cerrado headwater streams during 2017, through whole-stream nutrient addition experiments. According to multiple regression models, ambient SRP concentration was an important explanatory variable of nutrient uptake. Further, best models included ambient NO3–N and water velocity (for NO3–N uptake metrics), dissolved oxygen (DO) and canopy cover (for NH4–N); and DO, discharge, water velocity, and temperature (for SRP). The best kinetic models describing nutrient uptake were efficiency-loss (R2 from 0.47–0.88) and first-order models (R2 from 0.60–0.85). NO3–N, NH4–N, and SRP uptake in these streams seemed coupled as a result of complex interactions of biotic P limitation, abiotic P cycling processes, and the preferential uptake of NH4–N among N-forms. Global change effects on these tropical streams, such as temperature increase and nutrient enrichment due to urban and agricultural expansion, may have adverse and partially unpredictable impacts on whole-stream nutrient processing.

Frost hardiness and winter photosynthesis of Thujapiicata and Pseudotsugamenzlesll seedlings grown at three rates of nitrogen and phosphorus supply

1995 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.J. Hawkins ◽  
M. Davradou ◽  
D. Pier ◽  
R. Shortt
Keyword(s):  
Net Photosynthesis ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Frost Hardiness ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Red Cedar ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
Foliar Nutrient ◽  
One Year ◽  
P Supply

One-year-old seedlings of western red cedar (Thujapiicata Donn ex D.Don) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) were grown for one season in five nutrient treatments with nitrogen (N) supplied in solution at rates of 20, 100, or 250 mg•L−1 and phosphorus (P) supplied at rates of 4, 20, or 60 mg•L−1. Growth, onset of dormancy, frost hardiness on six dates, and foliar nutrient concentrations in autumn and spring were measured. Midwinter rates of net photosynthesis and transpiration were measured at air temperatures of 4, 7, and 11 °C in seedlings from all nutrient treatments. Recovery of net photosynthesis and transpiration in whole seedlings from the three N treatments was assessed at intervals for 28 days after the seedlings were frozen to −5, −15, and −25°C. Foliar N content differed significantly among nutrient treatments and was positively correlated with supply. Mitotic activity ceased earliest in plants with low N supply. Douglas-fir seedlings in the low-N treatment also ceased height growth earliest. These differences in growth had no significant correlation with frost hardiness. No consistent differences in frost hardiness among nutrient treatments were observed. Higher rates of N and P supply resulted in higher rates of winter net photosynthesis. Net photosynthesis was reduced dramatically by night frost, with greater damage occurring at lower temperatures. Net photosynthesis recovery occurred most quickly in seedlings with the midrate of N and P supply.

scholarly journals Chemical Element Concentrations of Cycad Leaves: Do We Know Enough?

Horticulturae ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin E. Deloso ◽  
Murukesan V. Krishnapillai ◽  
Ulysses F. Ferreras ◽  
Anders J. Lindström ◽  
Michael Calonje ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Root Zone ◽  
Chemical Elements ◽  
Incident Light ◽  
Leaf Age ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Element Concentrations

The literature containing which chemical elements are found in cycad leaves was reviewed to determine the range in values of concentrations reported for essential and beneficial elements. We found 46 of the 358 described cycad species had at least one element reported to date. The only genus that was missing from the data was Microcycas. Many of the species reports contained concentrations of one to several macronutrients and no other elements. The cycad leaves contained greater nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations than the reported means for plants throughout the world. Magnesium was identified as the macronutrient that has been least studied. Only 14 of the species were represented by data from in situ locations, with most of the data obtained from managed plants in botanic gardens. Leaf element concentrations were influenced by biotic factors such as plant size, leaf age, and leaflet position on the rachis. Leaf element concentrations were influenced by environmental factors such as incident light and soil nutrient concentrations within the root zone. These influential factors were missing from many of the reports, rendering the results ambiguous and comparisons among studies difficult. Future research should include the addition of more taxa, more in situ locations, the influence of season, and the influence of herbivory to more fully understand leaf nutrition for cycads.

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