The elemental composition of oak (Quercusrobur L.) tree rings was studied along a vertical gradient in trees situated on three different soils. High concentrations of N, P, K, Mg, S, and Mn were observed in the last 15 annual rings relative to older rings and were related to the transition from sapwood to heartwood. In the sapwood, a strong gradient of N, P, S, and Mn was observed and was partly related to high concentrations of Mn 2+ , NH 4 + , and NO 3 − in the soil solution. No significant changes in concentration of other elements within the sapwood occurred. Manganese content in wood and leaves corresponded to Mn 2+ concentrations in the soil solution for the 5 years examined. Differences in soil availability of Al and Ca were not reflected in stemwood composition, yet in branches and leaves Ca content was influenced.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
P.H.B. de Visser (1992) studied this question.