Sensitivity of tree seedlings to aluminum: III. Red spruce and loblolly pine. [Picea rubens Sarg. ; Pinus taeda L]

Journal Article · · Journal of Environmental Quality; (USA)

OSTI ID:6167130

Raynal, D J; Schaedle, M ^[1]; Joslin, J D ^[2]; Thornton, F C ^[3]; Henderson, G S ^[4]

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1. State Univ. of New York, Syracuse (USA)
2. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN (USA)
3. Tennessee Valley Authority, Muscle Shoals, AL (USA)
4. Univ. of Missouri, Columbia (USA)

Unexplained declines in the growth of both red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) have been reported within their natural ranges recently. The possible role of Al phytotoxicity as a casual agent in these declines has been studied extensively. Results of experiments with seedlings grown in solution, sand, and soil indicate minimal involvement of Al in the decline of loblolly pine. However, both controlled studies and field data indicate that reductions in tissue Ca and Mg may occur at Al concentrations well below those causing direct injury. Thus, Al may be involved in reductions in pine growth through interference with nutrient uptake and translocation. Several independent studies demonstrate that Al does directly affect growth of red spruce seedlings at Al concentrations of {le}0.25 mM, a concentration that might approach the range of soil solution Al concentrations measured in native red spruce stands in the Appalachian Mountains (0.1-0.28 mM). In these seedling studies, concentration of Ca and Mg in red spruce roots and foliage were also markedly reduced by relatively low solution Al concentrations. Thus, a contributing role for Al phytotoxicity in red spruce decline, through both direct biomass reduction and indirect effects due to interference with nutrient uptake, appears plausible.

• OSTI ID: 6167130
• Journal Information: Journal of Environmental Quality; (USA), Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Quality; (USA) Vol. 19:2; ISSN JEVQA; ISSN 0047-2425
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
ALUMINIUM
APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS
CALCIUM
CONIFERS
ELEMENTS
GROWTH
MAGNESIUM
METALS
MOUNTAINS
NUTRIENTS
PINES
PINOPHYTA
PLANT GROWTH
PLANTS
SEEDLINGS
SENSITIVITY
SPRUCES
TOXICITY
TREES
UPTAKE