Assessment of sugar maple tree growth in relation to the partitioning of elements in xylem along a soil acidity gradient

Abstract

a b s t r a c tPartitioning of elements in tree xylem is being increasingly studied, as it suggests that elements are potentially mobile within the xylem long after their uptake. A recent study revealed that only the most mobile xylem fraction (water-soluble) of base cations (calcium [Ca], magnesium [Mg], and potassium [K]) increased at higher soil acidity, while the two mobile fractions (water-and acid-soluble) of acidic metals-potentially phytotoxic aluminium (Al), cadmium (Cd) and manganese (Mn)-were significantly enhanced on very acid soils. The current paper presents an investigation of soil-wood chemistry relationships with basal area tree growth. It was hypothesized that the growth of sugar maple would be reduced by low base cation and high acidic metal concentrations in the xylem mobile fractions. Sugar maple trees (n = 55) from six watersheds in southern Quebec, Canada were analysed by sequential chemical extractions for the water-soluble, acid-soluble and residual fractions of base cations (Ca, K, Mg) and acidic metals (Al, Cd, Mn) in xylem. Generally, tree growth was positively correlated to concentrations of base cations in wood ( = 0.27-0.50) and soil ( = 0.41-0.67), and negatively correlated to concentrations of acidic metals in wood ( = −0.33 to −0.52) and soil ( = −0.67). However, these relations differed depending on the element fraction considered. Water-and acid-soluble xylem concentrations of base cations and Al were among the best predictors of growth trends (R 2 = 0.46-0.51). The relationship between acidic metals and tree growth is further discussed.Crown

Tree Response to Experimental Watershed Acidification

“…This shift in values may be attributed to radial translocation through xylem tissue via ray cells that redistributes elements in other portions of wood (Watmough 1999;Bilodeau-Gathier et al 2008). Elements are potentially mobile within the xylem long after their uptake, and the mobility of water-soluble base cations (Ca, Mg, and K) increases at higher soil acidity (Bilodeau-Gauthier et al 2011). McClenahen et al (1989 reported Mn and Ca elements that are likely to move laterally.…”

Assessment of lead speciation by organic ligands using speciation models

“…Any change in organic or inorganic ligands will alter metal speciation in soil and, in turn, the mobility and bioavailability (Bilodeau-Gauthier et al, 2011). EDTA is most effective under acidic and neutral conditions whereas its metal binding efficiency decreases with increase in pH.…”

Evaluation of sugar maple dieback in the Upper Great Lakes region and development of a forest health youth education program

“…1998;St. Clair et al, 2005;Schaberg et al, 2006;Bilodeau-Gauthier et al, 2011;and others). Mean foliar nutrient values for N, S, P, Ca, and Mg in stands with and without dieback were lower than baseline foliar values determined in similar plot locations in eastern Minnesota and northern Michigan in 1993 (Burton et al, 1993).…”

“…Clair et al, 1995;Hallett et al, 2006;Schaberg et al, 2006;Houle et al, 2007;Long et al, 2009), usually Ca, Mg, Mn, Al, P, K, and N. Some of the more recent reports have been including other micronutrient correlations as well (Heisey 1995;St. Clair and Lynch, 2005;Watmough, 2010;Bilodeau-Gauthier et al, 2011 equations have been published for sugar maple nutrition based on some extant datasets and may be useful for diagnosing and prescribing fertilizer (Lozano and Huynh, 1989).…”

“…Extremely high metal concentrations(Al, Pb, Cu, Fe, Ni, Cd, Cr, Mn) for a few plots was noted. Greater levels of foliar and forest floor Mn, Cd, Zn, Cu, and Pb have been linked to higher maple decline ratings further east(Watmough 2010;Bilodeau- Gauthier et al, 2011).…”