Mineral nutrients of beech (Fagus sylvatica) bark in relation to frost sensitivity and soil treatments in southern Sweden

Concentration of nutrients and balance between nutrients in trees can affec t tree vitality, and are dependent on soil conditions and atmospheric depos ition. The aim of this investigation was to survey the concentration of nut rients in beech bark and to look for relationships with the frost sensitivi ty of the bark. Beech trees with bark lesions were compared to undamaged be ech trees on five experimental sites with control plots, plots treated with nitrogen, ash or lime. Trees treated with lime had increased Ca/Al ratio a nd decreased concentrations of Mn and B. Negative influence from N fertiliz ation could be traced in the concentration of nutrients in the bark seven y ears after treatment, but the absence of new lesions indicated that the vig our of the trees has increased. The frost sensitivity was correlated to the nutrient content. Trees with lesions had higher concentrations of N and Al , indicating influence of soil acidity.