Influence of ozone, precipitation chemistry, and soil type on red spruce (Picea rubens)
The response of growth processes in red spruce to ozone, mist chemistry, rain chemistry, and soil type (singly and in combination) was investigated over a four-month period. Precipitation and ozone exposures were based on air chemistry/deposition in high elevation forests of eastern North America. The two soils were from Camels Hump in the Green Mountains of Vermont and Acadia National Park on the Maine coast. Growth was evaluated through analysis of relative growth rates (RGR) and biomass partitioning to root, stem, and needle fractions. The only main treatments that consistently influenced seedling growth were soil type and rain chemistry. Seedlings grown in Camels Hump soil had significantly less needle, stem, and root biomass and lower RGR. The only influence of precipitation chemistry was greater root and shoot biomass in seedlings experiencing the more acidic rain. It is hypothesized that the physiological mechanism underlying the growth responses of P. rubens is whole-plant allocation of carbon resources.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN
- OSTI ID:
- 5325082
- Journal Information:
- Plant Physiol., Suppl.; (United States), Journal Name: Plant Physiol., Suppl.; (United States) Vol. 80:4; ISSN PPYSA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Growth response and drought susceptibility of red spruce seedlings exposed to simulated acidic rain and ozone
Drought sensitivity of red spruce seedlings affected by precipitation chemistry. [Picea rubens]
Related Subjects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ACID RAIN
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOMASS
ENERGY SOURCES
GROWTH
LEAVES
OZONE
PLANT GROWTH
PLANT STEMS
PLANTS
RAIN
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
ROOTS
SEEDLINGS
SOILS
SPRUCES
TREES