NUTRIENT ACCUMULATION IN STREET GREENERY OF RIGA (LATVIA) IN INCREASED SALINITY CONDITIONS, 2005 AND 2007

Year 2010, Volume: 25 Issue: 3, 192 - 198, 20.08.2010

G. Cekstere A. Osvalde O. Nıkodemus

Abstract

One of the most widespread tree species of street greenery in Central, Northern and Eastern Europe, int. al. in Riga (Latvia) located in the boreo-nemoral zone, is lime tree Tilia x vulgaris H. A topical problem in the boreo-nemoral zone is using of de-icing material in winter to prevent ice formation on roads and salt accumulation in greenery. The aim of the research was to find out the macronutrient status in the street greenery of Riga to reveal the effect of de-icing salt accumulation on the element supply and the vitality of T. x vulgaris. The concentrations of K, Ca, Mg and Na, Cl- were estimated in lime leaf and soil samples collected from 27 study sites (5 streets or 8 objects) in Riga from March 2005 to August 2007, but the concentrations of N, P and S in samples from June and August 2007. Additional three sites in a park area were chosen for the background level. A bioindication research on the vitality of the street greenery carried out in August of 2005 and 2007 revealed mainly damaged status of lime trees. The damages to the deciduous trees typically appeared as leaf necrosis and dead branches. Ordination with principal component analysis (PCA) of results showed a high heterogeneity of the soil and lime leaf chemical composition. A negative medium close correlation was found between the concentration of Na and K in the leaf samples in July and August 2005 and August 2007, as well as between Na and Mg in June 2005. Our research did not reveal a statistically significant correlation between the content of Cl- and its antagonists (N, S, P) concentrations in lime leaf and soil samples, as exception – there was a negative medium close correlation between the Cl- and Ca in lime leaves of August 2007. The main problems of the mineral nutrition of the street greenery in Riga during 2005 and 2007 were elevated concentration of Ca, Mg and P, decreased concentration of N, S and, especially, K in soil, which could be promoted by Na and Cl- regular accumulation in soil, as well as other factors. Whereas insufficient amount of K and in several sites S, Mg and P, was stated in lime leaves in 2005 and 2007. Probably, it could be facilitated by Na+ and Cl- antagonism in the street greenery of Riga.

Keywords

Elements, De-icing salt, Street trees, Soil, Lime leaves

NUTRIENT ACCUMULATION IN STREET GREENERY OF RIGA (LATVIA) IN INCREASED SALINITY CONDITIONS, 2005 AND 2007

Abstract

References

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