| Abstract: | Influence of simulated sulphur and nitrogen depositions on biomass and nutrient relationships of mountain ash, European beech and Norway spruce in a pot experiment with two soil substrates from the Ore Mountains Growth and nutrient relationships of mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia), European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Norway spruce (Picea abies) were investigated in a pot experiment with the two substrates rhyolithe (acidic) and basalt (alkaline). Additionally, depositions of sulphur (S) and nitrogen (N) as expected to occur in the Ore Mountains (Saxonia, Germany) in the future were simulated in order to test the species′ suitability for forest regeneration. After two years, aboveground biomass was significantly higher on basalt compared to rhyolithe for all species. The amount of S given (0 and 100 kg ha—1 a—1) and the dominant form of N applied (NH4+:NO3— = 1:4 and 4:1; total amount of N given 80 kg ha—1 a—1) were of minor influence only. The contents of N and K in leaves or needles were higher on rhyolithe, whereas P, Ca, Mg and Mn contents were higher on basalt. Nutrient contents were only slightly affected by the amount of S supply and the NH4+:NO3— ratio. In contrast to mountain ash, beech saplings exhibited considerable growth on rhyolite. It is therefore concluded that beech may be a suitable species for forest regeneration even on acidic soils suffering heavily from S and N immissions, whereas spruce will not tolerate high S loads. However, increasing N depositions by stimulating growth may cause deficiencies of Mg and K in both species. |
