Soil environment and nutrient status of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) underplantings in conditions of the 8th FAZ in the Hrubý Jeseník Mts.
The main objective of this study was to investigate the causes of nutrient deficiency symptoms in Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) underplantings in the Hrubý Jeseník Mts. In the area concerned 19 research plots were established, representing the ridge sites of the 8th FAZ of acid edaphic categories. On these plots samples were taken from topmost soil horizons and needle samples were collected in two series – from healthy and from damaged trees. The results of this study demonstrate that the nutrient deficiency symptoms and reduced vitality of evaluated underplantings were caused by the insufficient uptake of main nutrients (Mg, P, K, N<sub>t</sub>). High contents of toxic elements Al, S in damaged needles are another factor that negatively influences the health status of these underplantings.<br />A statistical survey showed that damage to underplantings increased with decreasing proportions of main nutrients (N<sub>t</sub>, Mg, Ca, K) in organomineral horizons. At the same time the content of basic nutrients (N<sub>t</sub>, Mg, Ca, K) was found to increase in this horizon with an increasing proportion of oxidizable organic carbon (C<sub>ox</sub>). The proportion of humus substances and the content of basic nutrients (N<sub>t</sub>, Mg, Ca, K) in organomineral horizons become a limiting factor for the normal growth and development of Norway spruce plantings in the ridge part of the Hrubý Jeseník Mts.
