Growth and Nutrient Status ofQuercus rubraL. in Response to Al and Ca

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) seedlings were grown for 63 d in a complete nutrient solution (pH 3.8) containing one of three concentrations of Al (0, 0.75 or 2-0 mol m−3) and either 10 or 250 mmol m−3 Ca. Of all solution variables, the In of (Al3+)/(Ca2+), the solution activities ratio, was most closely correlated with declines in shoot and root growth. Ln (Al3+)/(Ca2+) also most closely predicted leaf and root [Mg], [Al], and [Al]/[Ca]. These three variables in turn were closely related to growth. Toxic levels of (Al3+) and (Al3+)/(Ca2+) in solution are compared to levels in forest soils.