Effect of soil salinity on the electro-chemical and chemical kinetics of some plant nutrients in submerged soils

Summary The electro-chemical and chemical kinetics of six California rice soils were significantly influenced by the presence of salts up to an EC of 9 mmhos/cm in saturation extract (EC_e). Subsamples of each soil salinity treatment were incubated for periods up to 10 weeks after flooding. Most of the changes in Eh and pH values took place in the first 3–4 weeks after submergence. Salinity decreased pH values, but slightly increased the redox-potential. Both ammonification and nitrate reduction were significantly decreased, by increasing soil salinity. Salinity up to 9 mmhos/cm did not affect levels of Bray and Kurtz extractable P, but increased the water extractable Ca, Mg, K and Mn. In DTPA extract, salinity in incubated soils had no effect on Zn in 4 soils, but it decreased Fe in acid and neutral soils. Possible explanations for the electro-chemical and chemical kinetic changes due to flooding and salinity are discussed.     

Short-term changes in soil nutrients during wetland creation

This study examined changes in pH and extractable nutrients in soilsfollowing wetland creation. Sample plots were established in two areas: (1) an old-field with parts that were flooded during wetland creation, and (2) a native wetland in a floodplain of the Ohio River called Green Bottom Swamp. Soils were sampled before inundation and eight months afterwards. Compared to old-field soils in the pre-inundation period, swamp soils exhibited: (1) higher acidity, (2) lower NO3 and higher NH4 concentrations, (3) higher extractable P, Fe, and Mn, and (4) lower Ca, Mg, and Zn concentrations. Eight months after inundation, the old-field soil redox decreased from +210 mV in the old field –290 mV, and extractable NO3 and Ca decreased and extractable NH4 and Fe increased, but pH and extractable P, Mn, Mg, and Zn changed either slightly or not at all. These results suggest that eight months is an insufficient period of time for a complete change. Other results suggest that the response of nitrogen during the wetland creation processes may be extremely rapid.     

Short-term changes in soil nutrients during wetland creation

This study examined changes in pH and extractable nutrients in soilsfollowing wetland creation. Sample plots were established in two areas: (1) an old-field with parts that were flooded during wetland creation, and (2) a native wetland in a floodplain of the Ohio River called Green Bottom Swamp. Soils were sampled before inundation and eight months afterwards. Compared to old-field soils in the pre-inundation period, swamp soils exhibited: (1) higher acidity, (2) lower NO3 and higher NH4 concentrations, (3) higher extractable P, Fe, and Mn, and (4) lower Ca, Mg, and Zn concentrations. Eight months after inundation, the old-field soil redox decreased from +210 mV in the old field ?290 mV, and extractable NO3 and Ca decreased and extractable NH4 and Fe increased, but pH and extractable P, Mn, Mg, and Zn changed either slightly or not at all. These results suggest that eight months is an insufficient period of time for a complete change. Other results suggest that the response of nitrogen during the wetland creation processes may be extremely rapid.

     

The Influence of Microtopography on Soil Nutrients in Created Mitigation Wetlands

This study explores the relationship between microtopography and soil nutrients (and trace elements), comparing results for created and reference wetlands in Virginia, and examining the effects of disking during wetland creation. Replicate multiscale tangentially conjoined circular transects were used to quantify microtopography both in terms of elevation and by two microtopographic indices. Corresponding soil samples were analyzed for moisture content, total C and N, KCl-extractable NH₄–N and NO₃–N, and Mehlich-3 extractable P, Ca, Mg, K, Al, Fe, and Mn. Means and variances of soil nutrient/element concentrations were compared between created and natural wetlands and between disked and nondisked created wetlands. Natural sites had higher and more variable soil moisture, higher extractable P and Fe, lower Mn than created wetlands, and comparatively high variability in nutrient concentrations. Disked sites had higher soil moisture, NH₄–N, Fe, and Mn than did nondisked sites. Consistently low variances (Levene test for inequality) suggested that nondisked sites had minimal nutrient heterogeneity. Across sites, low P availability was inferred by the molar ratio (Mehlich-3 [P/(Al + Fe)] < 0.06); strong intercorrelations among total C, total N, and extractable Fe, Al, and P suggested that humic–metal–P complexes may be important for P retention and availability. Correlations between nutrient/element concentrations and microtopographic indices suggested increased Mn and decreased K and Al availability with increased surface roughness. Disking appears to enhance water and nutrient retention, as well as nutrient heterogeneity otherwise absent from created wetlands, thus potentially promoting ecosystem development.     

Effect of controlled redox conditions on metal solubility in acid sulfate soils

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) yields are constrained by Fe and Al toxicity and P deficiency on acid sulfate soils. In order to delineate the effects of pH and redox potential on metal availability in these soils, one or both of these parameters must be held constant. The objective of this study was to investigate metal behavior in acid sulfate soils in redox controlled suspensions. Three acid sulfate soils, Rangsit Very Acid (Rsa), Rangsit (Rs), and Mahaphot (Ma); a potential acid sulfate soil, Bang Pakong (Bg); and a non-acid marine soil, Bangkok (Bk) from Thailand were utilized. After pre-incubating the soils under anaerobic conditions, the soils were oxidized in 100 mV increments in a stepwise fashion (oxidation cycle). Afterwards, the oxidized soils were reduced in the same manner (reduction cycle). The pH's of all the soils decreased during the oxidation cycle and increased upon re-reduction. Water-soluble Fe decreased in all the soils (except Bg) as the Eh was increased in the oxidation cycle, whereas Fe increased in the reduction cycle when the Eh was decreased until -50 mV, at which time Fe sulfide precipitation was believed to occur. In the Bg soil, pyrite oxidation (which evidently started at +50 mV) brought about large increases in soluble Fe under oxidizing conditions, and soil pH decreased to 2.0. The influence of the redox status on Mn varied. Soluble Al increased with increases in Eh (due to decreases in pH) and vice versa in most of the soils. Water-soluble P decreased under oxidizing conditions and increased under reducing conditions. Ammonium acetate-extractable Fe and P were highly correlated (r=0.88), indicating that Fe plays an important role in P availability in acid sulfate soils.Contribution from the Laboratory for Wetland soils and Sediments, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.Contribution from the Laboratory for Wetland soils and Sediments, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.     

Influence of aluminum in nutrient solutions on chemical composition in two rice cultivars at different growth stages

Summary A solution culture experiment was conducted using 2 rice cultivars (EEA 304, and CICA 4) to determine the effects of Al concentrations on chemical composition. The treatments consisted of five Al concentrations: 0, 10, 30, 40 and 60 ppm.Aluminum content in plant tissues way increased with increasing levels of Al in two cultivars. Increased Al concentrations in the nutrient solution exerted an inhibiting effect on the uptake of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, B, Cu, Zn, and Mn. Rice cultivars responded differently to Al treatments with respect to nutrients uptake. Tolerant cultivar, EEA 304, absorbed more phosphorus compared to susceptible cultivar CICA 4. Macro and micronutrients inhibiting effect was much lower in this Al tolerant cultivar. These results suggested that one of the Al tolerance mechanism in rice cultivars is associated with more efficient nutrients uptake.     

Evaluation of sewage sludge, septic waste and sludge compost applications to corn and forage: Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and B content of crops and soils

This is the second of two papers presenting the data from an experiment on the application of aerobically-digested sewage sludge (AES), anaerobic lagoon septic wastes (ANS), sewage sludge compost and fertilizer to soils for grass forage and feed corn production at two different sites in Nova Scotia. Crop yields, plant tissue and Mehlich-1 extractable soil nutrients were evaluated; 15 elements were analyzed in the plant tissue and 9 elements in the soil extracts. This paper describes the Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and B content of the crops and the Mehlich-1 extractable content of the soils. The response to the amendments was not consistent at the two sites with the two different crops. We found that the septic sludge (ANS) produced the highest forage Fe, Cu and Zn levels and was equal to compost in elevating corn stover and forage S and the forage B content. The compost produced the highest forage Ca and corn Zn, the AES produced the highest corn Mn, and fertilizer produced the highest forage Mn. None of the amendments produced excessive levels of the above nutrients; rather, the amendments improved the feed quality of the forage and corn stover. Lastly, it was noted that the Mehlich-1 extract only had a significantly positive correlation with forage Cu content.     

Soil acidity effects on nutrient use efficiency in exotic maize genotypes

Maize (t Zea mays L.) is the third most important cereal grown in the world. In South and Central America, maize is mostly grown on acidic soils. On these soils, yields are limited by deficient levels of available P, Ca, and Mg, and toxic levels of Al and Mn. A greenhouse study was conducted with 22 maize genotypes originating from Africa, Europe, and North, Central, and South America on acid, dark red latosol (Typic Haplorthox) at 2%, 41%, and 64% Al saturation at corresponding pH of 5.6, 4.5, and 4.3. With increasing Al levels, the nutrient efficiency ratios (NER = mgs of dry shoot weight / mg of element in shoot) for K, Ca and Mg increased, and NER for P and Zn tended to decrease. Overall, Al-tolerant genotypes produced higher shoot and root weight and had higher NER for P, Ca Mg, and Fe at 41% Al saturation. Genotypes used in this study showed genetic diversity for growth and NER of essential nutrients. It was concluded that selection of acid-soil-tolerant genotypes and further breeding of acid-soil-tolerant maize cultivars are feasible.     

The pinus scrub community as an indicator of soils in Hong Kong

Summary Consisting ofPinus massoniana, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Baeckea frutescens andDicranopteris linearis, thePinus scrub community is widespread and representative of the vegetation in Hong Kong. Three areas, with soils derived separately from granite, sedimentary and volcanic rocks but of the same pine community were selected for the present study. Soil samples were collected and analysed for pH, texture, organic carbon, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity, and exchangeable K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Al and H. Plant samples were also collected for the analysis of K, Na, Ca, Mg, Mn, Al, Fe and SiO₂.While variations in chemical and physical properties exist among the soils of different geology, they are invariably acidic with high exchangeable Al and H ions whereas the base saturation is exceedingly low. Intra- and inter-species variations in chemical composition are equally notable. While K, Mg and Ca are the dominant elements of uptake and accumulation, the fernD. linearis also stands out as a strong accumulator of SiO₂, Al and to some extent, Mn and Fe.     

Nutrient changes in direct-seeded submerged rice soils with varying nutrio-environments

Summary Nutrient changes in submerged rice soil were studied in soil-water-plant ecosystem in direct-seeded rice crop. Continuous removal of nutrients by the crop resulted in ultimate decrease in the availability of NH₄–N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn and Cu. However, there was a slight increase in Fe availability in soil with increase in period of submergence and crop growth. The data was subjected to statistical function fittings to study the nature of changes. Depending on the R²% values, quadratic type was the best fit for pH, available NH₄–N, K, Mg, Fe, Mn and Cu, whereas logarithmic type was the best fit for available P, Ca and Zn. No response was noticed to the application of P and K. Highest correlation coefficient between grain yield and NH₄–N in soil was obtained at the panicle initiation stage indicating that limiting nitrogen during this period might affect grain yield to the maximum extent compared to tiller initiation and maximum tillering stages.     

Chemical composition of modern and pre-acidification sediments in the Tatra Mountain lakes

Concentrations of major nutrients (C, N, P) and acid soluble metals (Ca, Mg, K, Al, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) were determined in modern (0–1 cm) and pre-acidification (5–10 cm) sediment layers collected from 37 alpine and 3 forest lakes in the Tatra Mountains (Slovakia, Poland) in 1996–1998. Sediment composition reflected catchment characteristics and productivity of lakes. In the sediments of alpine lakes, C and N concentrations decreased and Mg increased with a decreasing proportion of vegetation and soil in the catchment. Decreasing Ca:Mg ratios in sediments along the vegetation gradient was inverse to that in water, and could be associated with different ratios of cations in water leachate from catchments and in solids which enter the lake due to soil erosion. Phosphorus concentrations increased with the proportion of moraine areas, with till soils rich in P. Concentrations of C, N, P, and Ca in sediments positively correlated to their concentrations in water. Sediment concentrations of Al and Al:Ca ratios increased with decreasing sediment and water pH. A negative correlation between water pH and concentrations of organic C in water and sediments indicated the important impact of organic acids on the acid status of the lakes exposed to higher terrestrial export of organic matter. Compared to the pre-acidification period, the modern sediments had significantly higher Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, and K, but lower Mg concentrations. The Zn and Pb enrichment was more evident in oligotrophic alpine lakes than in more productive forest lakes and was independent of lake water or sediment pH. Fe and Mn concentrations in the modern sediments were higher than in ambient soils and bedrock, while those in pre-acidification sediments were similar to contemporary soils and to the rock layer. The enrichment of the modern sediments with Fe and Mn thus probably resulted from both their redox recycling and ecosystem acidification.     

Soil aluminium effects on uptake,influx, and transport of nutrients in sorghum genotypes

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is the fifth most important cereal crop of the world. In South America, it is grown mainly on acid soils, and its production on these soils is limited by deficient levels of available P, Ca, Mg, and micronutrients, and toxic levels of Al and Mn. A greenhouse experiment was undertaken to evaluate the genotypic differences in sorghum for uptake (U), inhibition (IH), influx (IN) into roots, and transport (TR) to shoot for nutrients at three levels of soil Al saturation (2, 41, 64%). Overall shoot nutrient U, IN, and TR showed a significant inverse correlation with soil Al saturation and shoot Al concentration, and a significant positive correlation with shoot and root dry weight. The nutrient uptake parameters differentiated genotypes into most and least efficient categories at various levels of soil Al saturation. The nutrient uptake parameters showed significant differences with respect to soil Al saturation, genotypes, and their interactions. In the current study, Al tolerant genotypes recorded higher IN and TR for P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, and Fe than Al-sensitive genotypes. Therefore, these U, IN, and TR traits could be used in selection of sorghum plants adaptable to acid soils. Sorghum genotypes used in this study showed intraspecific genetic diversity in U, IN, and TR for essential nutrients. It was concluded that selection of acid soil tolerant genotypes and further breeding of acid (Al) tolerant sorghum cultivars are feasible.IICA/EMBRAPA/World BankIICA/EMBRAPA/World BankIICA/EMBRAPA/World Bank     

Effect of heating on properties of some soils from Southern Nigeria and growth of rice

Summary The effect of heating on the properties of Apomu (Psammentic Usthorthent), Egbeda (Oxic Paleustalf) and Gambari (Typic Plinthustalf) surface soils were studied under laboratory conditions. Heating at low temperatures (100°C) have no detrimental effects on soil properties, on the contrary it increased the soil extractable P, Mg, Fe, Mn and Zn levels. Pronounced reductions in total N, Org. C, Org. P and extractable Ca and Mg levels and marked increases in extractable P, Zn, Mn and Fe were observed by heating to 200°C. Heating to 500° had an adverse effect on soil chemical and physical properties.Plant height and dry matter yeild of rice plants were higher when grown on Egbeda soil previously heated to 100°C. With addition of N, P and K there was no observed beneficial effect of the heating treatment. Rice plants grown on Egbeda soil previously heated to 200°C showed high uptake of Mn. Plants grew badly in soil previously heated to 500°C.     

Studies on the Characteristic of Element Contents in the Dominant Plant Species of the Three gorges Region in China

The characteristics of the contents of 20 elements (Al, Fe, Mn, Ca, Mg, K, S, Si, P, Cd, Cu, Zn, Ti, Ni, Sr, Mo, Na, B, Cr, V) in 16 plant species collected from the Three Gorges Region in China were investigated. The average contents of Ca, K and Mg were higher than 1 000 μg·g-1, that of Al, P, Si, Fe, S and Mn ranged between 100—1 000 μg·g-1 and Ti, Cu, Ni, Cr, Mo, Cd and V were less than 10 μg·g- 1. The level of Na content was less than that of the reported. The main character of the element contents was of the Ca> K type. The contents of P, S, Ca and K in different plant samples showed a normal distribution pattern, while Al and Mn showed a elements lognormal distribution pattern. Plant species differed greatly in the element contents. On analyzing the coefficient of variation (C. V., % ), Al, Mn, Mg, Ni, Sr and Fe had higher C.V., while the C.V. of K, S, P, Cr, Cd and Cu was less than 60%, and Cu had the lowest C.V. The correlations between Al and Fe, Al and Ti, Al and Cr, A1 and V, Cd and Sr, Cd and Mo, Fe and V, Zn and Cr, Ni and Sr, Mg and Ni, Mo and Sr, Ca and Sr, Cr and Mo, Na and Mg, Na and P, P and S were statistically significant in different plant species. The classification of the 16 plant species and 20 dements by two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) method may suggest the difference in dement contents of the different plant species.     

Effects of short-term flooding on growth,yield and mineral composition of wheat on sodic soil under field conditions

In sodic soils of the Indo-Gangetic alluvial plains of Northern India, flooding for short periods often occurs during the growing season of wheat, leading to low yields. A field study was therefore conducted to evaluate the effects of short-term flooding on growth, yield and mineral composition of wheat (Triticum aestivum Linn. emend. Fiori and Paol) in a sodic soil (pH 8.9, exchangeable sodium percentage 25). Flooding wheat for 2,4 and 6 days at the time of first irrigation (25-day old plants), significantly reduced tillering, plant height, delayed head emergence and resulted in 17.6, 29.0 and 46.7% reduction in grain yield, respectively, Flooding decreased oxygen diffusion rate (ODR) values, restricted root grwoth and reduced ion uptake, especially of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Zn and led to higher absorption of Na, Fe and Mn. Under the conditions of this experiment, the reduced growth and yield of wheat resulting from short-term flooding was not due to Mn, Fe and Na toxicity but may be due to reduced uptake of nutrients resulting from O₂ deficiency in the soil.     

Macrophyte induced microchemical changes in the water column of a northern Boreal Lake

Water quality was compared between open water and vegetated regions of the littoral zone of a Boreal lake. Within region variation occurred in vegetated areas and was species dependent. In the water lily versus the open water stations, conductivity and concentrations of B, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, S and Sr were elevated in the water column while N concentrations were lower. Wild rice areas were characterized by lower S and higher conductivity and Ca and Fe concentrations than open water areas. Variations in water quality in the vegetated regions occurred as a result of chemical exchange with the sediment in the proximity of the vegetation. Elemental concentrations in the sediment appeared to vary as a result of root aeration and nutrient uptake by the plants. Open water stations had elevated sediment levels of N, P and Al while elevated levels of Na were present in both the open water and wild rice plots. Water lily stations exhibited higher pH levels and higher concentrations of Fe, Mn and Ca than the open water plots. Plant tissue analysis indicated that between species elemental variation existed as well. Water lily tissue had higher concentrations of N, P, Mn, Zn, Ca, K and Mg than that of wild rice. It was postulated that aquatic macrophytes can influence the redox level of sediments and thereby dramatically alter the overlying water column forming microchemical environments in stagnant regions of the littoral zone.     

Contribution of mineral nutrients from source to sink organs in rice under different nitrogen fertilization

The pot experiment with three treatments of nitrogen (N) topdressing was performed with the japonica rice cultivar viz. Huaidao 5. Remobilization of nine mineral nutrients including N, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) was measured from the source organs including bracts, leaf, and sheath to sink rice grain. Experimental results showed considerable contribution of bracts to grain for N, Mg, and Zn, with the averages contributions of 5.96, 12.56, and 12.34%, respectively, indicating a positive role of rice bracts in N, Mg, and Zn remobilization during grain filling. By contrast, minor contribution of bracts to grain P, K, and Cu was revealed, with the contribution rate being 0.99, 3.90, and 3.05%, respectively. Further, a net increase in Ca and Fe concentrations of bracts was detected, implying that bracts function as a sink of these mineral nutrients. In addition, grains produced at a moderate level of N topdressing had higher Fe and similar Zn concentration in comparison with those at high N level, suggesting the possibility of N management for maintaining Fe and Zn level under high yielding conditions.     

Seasonal Dynamics of the Accumulation, Distribution and Redistribution of Dry Matter and Mineral Nutrients in a Weedy Species of Gladiolus (Gladiolus caryophyllaceus)

The seasonal dynamics of the accumulation, distribution andredistribution of dry matter and 12 mineral nutrients by a weedyspecies of gladiolus (Gladiolus caryophyllaceus) were studiedat Perth, Western Australia, where it has colonized the nutrient-poorsandy soils. Parent corms sprouted in autumn, and the plantshad completed their growth cycle by early summer. The maturereplacement corm had 15-25% of the plant's P, Ca, Na, Zn andCu, 5-15% of its K, N, Cl, Mg, S and dry matter, and < 5%of its Fe and Mn. Seeds had 26% of the plant's dry matter, 60%of its N and P, 21-33% of its S, Mg, Cu and K, 5-20% of itsFe, Mn and Zn, and < 5% of its Ca and Na. The mature vegetativeshoot had 47% of the plant's dry matter and over 40% of eachnutrient, except for N, P and Cu. Phosphorus, K and N were redistributedfrom the parent corm with over 85% efficiency, S, Mg, Zn andCu with 60-70% efficiency, but there was < 10% redistributionof Ca, Na, Cl, Fe and Mn. The efficiency of redistribution fromthe leafy shoot was over 70% for N and P, 29-52% for K, Mg andCu, 16-20% for S, Zn and Cl, but negligible for Ca, Na, Fe andMn. Redistribution from the shoot could have provided the replacementcorm and seeds with 53-98% of their Cu, Mg, N, P and K, and29-38% of their S, Zn and dry matter. Seeds contained over 60%of each nutrient in a capsule, except for Ca, Na and Fe. Redistributionfrom the capsule walls could have provided 13-19% of the P,Cu and Zn, and 3-7% of the N, K, Mg and dry matter accumulatedby seeds. Each plant produced an average of 520 seeds. Removalof flowers and buds at first anthesis resulted in a larger replacementcorm containing a greater quantity of most nutrients, indicatingcompetition between the replacement corm and seeds for nutrients.Redistribution from parent to replacement cormlets in the absenceof shoot and root development was high, with over 50% of thedry matter and each nutrient, except for Ca, being transferred.Concentration of nutrients were low in all organs of G. caryophyllaceus,especially the replacement corm. It was concluded that the effectiveredistribution of key nutrients, such as N and P, to reproductivestructures and tolerance of low internal concentrations of nutrientscontribute to the capacity of G. caryophyllaceus to colonizeand persist on infertile soils.Copyright 1993, 1999 AcademicPress Gladiolus caryophyllaceus, corm, distribution, dry matter, gladiolus, mineral nutrients, nutrient accumulation, nutrient redistribution, seasonal growth, weed     

Mineral Elements in Root of Wild Saposhnikovia divaricata and Its Rhizosphere Soil

Mineral elements are important components of medicinal herbs, and their concentrations are affected by many factors. In this study, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn concentrations in wild Saposhnikovia divaricata and its rhizosphere soil collected from seven locations at two different times in China were measured, and influences of rhizosphere soil on those minerals in plant were evaluated. The results showed that mean concentrations of eight minerals in plant samples decreased in the order: Ca > Mg > Na > K > Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu, and those in the soil samples followed the following order: Na > Fe > Ca > K > Mg > Mn > Zn > Cu. Mean concentrations of Ca, Na, Mg, and K in plants were higher than those in soils, while higher mean concentrations of the other four minerals were found in soils. It was found that there was a positive correlation of Mg, Na, and Cu concentrations in the plant with those in the soil respectively, but a negative correlation of Mn concentration in plant with that in the soil. Except Ca, K, and Mn, the other five minerals in plant were all directly affected by one or more chemical compositions of soil. The results also indicate that pH value and concentrations of total nitrogen, Mg, Mn, and Cu in soil had significant correlations with multimineral elements in plant. In a word, mineral elements uptake of S. divaricata can be changed by adjusting the soil fertility levels to meet the need of appropriate quality control of S. divaricata.     

Nutrient cycling and foliar status in an urban pine forest in Athens, Greece

The nutrient cycling and foliar status for the elements Ca, Mg, K, N, P, S, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu were investigated in an urban forest of Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) in 2004 in Athens, Greece in order to draw conclusions on the productivity status and health of the ecosystem. The fluxes of bulk and throughfall deposition were characterized by the high amounts of Ca, organic N and sulfate S. The magnitude of the sulfate S fluxes indicated a polluted atmosphere. The nutrient enrichment in throughfall was appreciable for ammonium N, P and Mn. The mineral soil formed the largest pool for all the elements followed by the forest floor, trunk wood and trunk bark. The understory vegetation consisting of annual plants proved important for storing N, P and K. Compared to current year needles of Aleppo pine in remote forests of Spain, the needles of the Aleppo pine trees in Athens had significantly higher concentrations of Ca, N, P and Cu and significantly lower concentrations of Mg and Zn. The soil had a high concentration of calcium carbonate and accordingly high pH values. When all inputs to the forest floor were taken into account, the mean residence time of nutrients in the forest floor followed the order Fe > Mn > Cu > Ca > Mg > P > Zn > N > K > S.