Growth and physiological changes in red spruce saplings associated with acidic deposition at high elevations in the southern Appalachians, USA

S. B. McLaughlin, M. J. Tjoelker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Exploratory field studies to evaluate the physiological basis of growth decline of red spruce at high elevation sites in the southern Appalachian Mountains have detected decreasing ratios of net photosynthesis (Ps) to dark respiration (Rs) associated with decreasing foliar calcium and increasing aluminium at higher elevation sites. A role of acidic deposition in inducing or amplifying the effects of nutrient deficiency in these high elevation soils had been previously inferred from changing growth and wood chemistry trends of mature trees, high levels of atmospheric deposition, and high ratios of aluminium to calcium in soil solutions at the study site. Greenhouse studies using native soils from the study area have confirmed the capacity of acid rain and mist, in the range of levels occurring at these sites, to produce similar alterations in both growth and physiology of red spruce saplings. This paper discusses the corroborative evidence of acid deposition effects on carbon metabolism and growth based on the combined field and laboratory studies. The importance of soil nutrition and duration of acid deposition treatment is illustrated by time-course measurements of red spruce photosynthesis and dark respiration in laboratory studies.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)43-51
Number of pages9
JournalForest Ecology and Management
Volume51
Issue number1-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Aug 1992
Externally publishedYes

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