Variation in nutrient concentrations of Pinus sylvestris stems

Abstract

Spatial and temporal variation of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, B and Al concentrations in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) bark and stemwood was studied in three stands at different stages of development. Concentrations of the mobile nutrients N, P and K increased in stemwood and inner bark towards the youngest tissues vertically towards the top of the stem, and horizontally from the pith to the youngest annual rings. The concentrations of Ca, Mg, Mn and Zn were greatest in the oldest tissues and decreased horizontally towards the youngest annual rings. There was a slight increase of most nutrients near the divide between sapwood and heartwood. Seasonal nutrient variation was greatest in the inner bark. The highest nutrient concentrations occurred in winter and spring. Concentrations also varied with stand age, especially in the inner bark, being lowest in the oldest stand.