TRENDS IN NEEDLE AND SOIL CHEMISTRY OF NORWAY SPRUCE AND SCOTS PINE STANDS IN SOUTH SWEDEN 1985-1994

The nutrient status of the trees and soil in 42 stands of Norway spruc e (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Sc ania, South Sweden was followed from 1985 to 1994. Samples from needle s taken in winter 1985, 1987, 1990, and 1994, and soils in 1988 and 19 93 were analyzed. Concentrations, as well as ratios to N, of K and Cu in needles of both species decreased by approximately 40% from 1985 to 1994. Soil analyses indicate ongoing soil acidification and leaching of mineral nutrients from the soil profile. Together with deposition d ata and corroboration from modeled scenarios, these data support the r ecent contention that one consequence of enhanced deposition of N and S will be the development of nutrient imbalances in trees growing in s outhern Sweden. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.