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Nutritional Status of Northern Spain Beech Forests Wate 4915

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Abstract

Fagus sylvatica L. is the most representative tree species in forests of Navarre (Northern Spain), in the boundary between the Euro-Siberian and Mediterranean regions. In this paper we assess the nutritional status of 30 beech forest stands selected in this area which belong to three vegetation series: Saxifrago hirsutae – Fageto sylvaticae S., Scillo lilio-hyacinthi – Fageto sylvaticae S. and Carici sylvaticae – Fageto sylvaticae S. We also determine the foliar content of sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), nitrogen (N) phosphorus (P) and sulphur (S) for these stands. Additionally, the crown condition was also assessed. Average stand values for Ca, Na, Mg and K foliar content were found to be above the reference values in many of the stands. Consequently, macronutrient ratios for these elements (N/Ca, K/Ca, Ca/Mg and K/Mg) were either above or below the range considered to be suitable for the harmonious growth of beech trees, but no evidence was found that this had a deleterious effect on the health status of the beech trees. Results showed that crown condition in these stands was good, with an average 12.2% of trees considered as damaged compared to an EU 22.8% for the same period. No symptoms of N-saturation were found; on the contrary, N is believed to still be a limiting factor for tree growth in the area.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. LICA (Laboratorio Integrado de Calidad Ambiental), Department of Chemistry and Soil Science, Universidad de Navarra, Irunlarrea no. 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain

    G. Amores, R. Bermejo, D. Elustondo, E. Lasheras & J. M. Santamaría

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  1. G. Amores
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  2. R. Bermejo
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  3. D. Elustondo
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  4. E. Lasheras
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  5. J. M. Santamaría
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Correspondence to J. M. Santamaría.

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Amores, G., Bermejo, R., Elustondo, D. et al. Nutritional Status of Northern Spain Beech Forests Wate 4915. Water Air Soil Pollut 177, 227–238 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-006-9157-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-006-9157-3

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