Element content in leaves of birch (Betula verrucosa Ehrh.) in an air polluted area

The content of natural (S, N, P, Ca, Mg, K, Mn, Zn, Cu) and extraneous elem ents (Pb, Cd, Al) in leaves of birch growing in the Krusne hory Mts. (Czech Republic), a territory affected by air pollution (SO2), was evaluated with regard to the altitude and age of birch stands,and in relation to stand nu trition. The contents of S, Ca, Mg, Zn and Pb culminated at the highest poi nts of the altitudinal transect (elevation 900-1000 m). In contrast, at hig h altitudes the content of Cd, Al and Mn decreased. The content: of element s in leaves was mostly not dependent on tree age. In Germs of nutrition and growth of birch, the content of Cu was insufficient, the content of Ca, Mg , N, P and K was optimum, and the content of S, Zn and primarily Mn was hig her. The content of Pb and Al was at natural background levels, that of Cd higher.