HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Jordan, D. N. Articles by Lockaby, B. G. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Jordan, D. N. Articles by Lockaby, B. G. Agricola Articles by Jordan, D. N. Articles by Lockaby, B. G.

Relationship between Xylem Trace Metals and Radial Growth of Loblolly Pine in Rural Alabama

School of Forestry and Alabama Agric. Exp. Stn., Auburn University, 108 M. White Smith Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849.

^* Corresponding author.

ABSTRACT

This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between the metals Al, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn and the basal area increment (BAI) of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) in an old growth stand in Alabama. The BAI is the annual stand average area increment at breast height, estimated from increment borer core samples at breast height. The sampled trees have inner annual ring dates ranging from 1843 to 1918. Significant negative linear relationships were found between concentrations of Cd, Pb, Zn, and the BAI series. Aluminum and Cu concentrations were inversely related to BAI. No significance was exhibited for Mn. These findings are discussed as potential contributing factors to forest decline. No correlation was found between the soil-extractable levels of the metals and the concentration in the most recent xylem tissue. A significant correlation was found between bark Zn and recent xylem Zn concentrations. No other metals exhibited correlations between recent xylem and soil or bark concentration.

AAES Journal no. 9-892139P. Research supported by Alabama Power Corp. Project EA-87-020.

Received for publication June 6, 1989.