Abstract
Concentrations of N, P, K, Na, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn and Cu are given for four different biomass fractions (shoot with green leaves, stems and coarse roots above and below ground, and fine roots, respectively) of two dwarf shrubs, Andromeda polifolia L. and Empetrum hermaphroditum Hagerup, growing on a peat bog in subarctic Scandinavia. Two types of concentration gradients were found within the plants. When combined with biomass estimates from the same site, it was shown that 80% or more of the total plant content of these elements is in the fine roots (< 0.5 mm). These observations from a very nutrient poor environment are discussed in relation to the turnover of plant nutrients in the ecosystem and the growth strategy of the dwarf shrubs.