DETERMINATION OF ALUMINUM, CALCIUM, AND MAGNESIUM IN FRASER FIR, BALSAM FIR, AND RED SPRUCE FOLIAGE AND SOIL FROM THE SOUTHERN AND MIDDLE APPALACHIANS

Spruce-fir forests form unique ecosystems in the eastern United States and Canada, These forests are composed of Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) and red spruce (Picea rubens) in the Southern Appalachians, and balsam hr (Abies balsamea) and red spruce in the middle and northern Appalac hians. Decline of spruce-fir forests has been observed since the 1960s that has been attributed. at least in part, to acidic deposition. Aci dic deposition has been reported to decrease the availability of calci um and increase the availability of aluminum and induce decline of red spruce at high elevation sites above 1800 m, Aluminum. calcium, and m agnesium were determined in Fraser fir, balsam fir, and red spruce fol iage and soil from sites in the southern and middle Appalachians in or der to evaluate whether acidic deposition may play a role in the decli ne of the conifers. Our nutrient studies did not provide any evidence that acidic deposition was affecting the conifers. (C) 1997 Academic P ress.