Chronically elevated ground-level ozone (O3) concentrations are known to affect tree growth and may alter nutrient supply. Using the stable isotope 15N as tracer, the nitrogen(N)-uptake and allocation was studied in ca. 60 yr old beech (Fagus sylvatica) and spruce (Picea abies) that were exposed to twice-ambient O3 concentrations over 7 years. A slight reduction in N acquisition was evident in both species along with a slight increase in N demand (particularly in spruce). The reduction in N uptake was stronger in beech than in spruce and was correlated to the reduced transpiration. Changes in resource allocation were contrasting in beech and spruce: Increased allocation of new N to roots and mycorrhizae in beech as a possible compensation for reduction in tree growth; conversely, increased allocation of new N to the shoot, particularly foliage, in spruce, indicating stress-induced promotion of above-ground growth and defence at the expense of lower investment in roots. The effects may, in the long term, limit stand productivity thereby increasing the soil N pool and, as consequence, leaching.
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Chronically elevated ground-level ozone (O3) concentrations are known to affect tree growth and may alter nutrient supply. Using the stable isotope 15N as tracer, the nitrogen(N)-uptake and allocation was studied in ca. 60 yr old beech (Fagus sylvatica) and spruce (Picea abies) that were exposed to twice-ambient O3 concentrations over 7 years. A slight reduction in N acquisition was evident in both species along with a slight increase in N demand (particularly in spruce). The reduction in N upta...
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