Mineral elements in the root biomass of a low‐shrub pine bog community

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Abstract
Elements which were included in the study, were as follows: N, K, Ca, Mg, P, S, B, Zn, Cu, Pb. The element concentrations of the large Scots pine roots (Ø>10 mm) increased systematically with distance from the stump both in the bark and the wood. The concentrations of Ca, Mg, Zn and B in pine fine (Ø< 1 mm) and small (0= 1–10 mm) roots (bark plus wood) lay between the values for wood and bark in the outer part of pine large roots. Sulphur and P levels were about the same as in the bark, while N, Pb and Cu were above. Levels of S and Zn were markedly higher in the field vegetation roots than in the pine roots. The concentrations of K, Ca and B decreased with depth both in the field vegetation, and the pine roots, while S and Zn increased with depth in the field vegetation roots. Compared with the ratios for biomass, relative contents of all elements, except S and Pb, were lower in the roots than in the above‐ground parts. The nutrient balance in the roots indicates a low supply of K, P, B, and “luxury”; uptake of S, Zn, Cu. The circulation of Pb seemed to be restricted, with some accumulation in the roots.