Foliar Resorption in Castanea Sativa mill. Along A Growth Period in Disturbed and Undisturbed Areas in Ordu/ Turkey

Abstract

In the study, we compared N, P dynamics, leaf resorption efficiency (RE) and proficiency (RP) in leaves of Castanea sativa along a growth period in disturbed and undisturbed areas. N, P contents, NRE (N Resorption Efficiency), PRE (P Resorption Efficiency), NRP (N Resorption Proficiency), PRP (P Resorption Proficiency), specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf mass area (LMA) values of leaves of C. sativa were changed in disturbed and undisturbed areas. There were statistically differences between localities along the growth period in terms of RE, RP and SLA values.

According to analysis, foliar N, P contents in C. sativa showed statistically significant differences with season and disturbed-undisturbed. NRE values of C. sativa in disturbed areas were high as compared to the other deciduous species. However, NRE values of undisturbed areas were found same as the other deciduous species. PRE values of C. sativa were low as compared to the other deciduous species both undisturbed and disturbed areas. NRP and PRP values were observed quite sufficient in research areas. These results indicate that C. sativa effectively resorbed N and P in disturbed and undisturbed areas.

The foliar N/P ratio was below 14 in disturbed and undisturbed area. According to this threshold value, N-limitation occurred in the study area. These results show the lack of nitrogen in the plant.