Distribution of nutrients and phytotoxic metal ions in the soil and in two forest floor plant species of a beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) stand

In a beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) stand in north-west Germany vegetation of two transects (25m:1m and 20m:1m) was mapped and contents of macronutrients (Ca, Mg and K), micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu), and potentially phytotoxic metals (Pb, Cd, Ni and Al) were measured in different soil compartments and in roots, rhizomes, stems and leaves of two forest floor plant species (Mercurialis perennis L. and Polygonatum multiflorum L.). NH₄Cl extractable cation contents, pH and other soil variables were also determined.The highest macronutrient contents could be found in the leaves of M. perennis and P. multiflorum. Heavy metals and Al accumulated in the roots. Correlation analysis suggests a considerable translocation of Zn and Cd between below- and above-ground organs of both investigated forest floor plants. No significant correlation was found between the contents of the other elements in the below- and above-ground parts.Available data indicate a considerable uptake by the plants not only of nutrients, but also of heavy metals from the upper mineral soil. Amounts of heavy metals and Al solubilized in the presence of NH₄Cl increased with decreasing pH, whereas levels of soluble Ca and Mg were maximal at high pH-values of the extracts. It can be concluded that element uptake in the investigated plants is indirectly controlled by the pH of the upper mineral soil.