Estimation of aluminium pollution in oak stands on the Krotoszyn Plateau

Abstract

Estimation of the degree of aluminium absorption by oak stands on the Krotoszyn Plateau and on reference areas is reported in this paper. Soil pH, the content of exchangeable aluminium in soil and the content of aluminium in the xylem and roots of Quercus robur L. were determined. The performed studies show a very strong acidification of soils from the investigated areas of the Krotoszyn Plateau; pH vs. 1 M KCI did not exceed 4.0, whereas the content of exchangeable Al in some places was 50 mg/100 g. The results also showed an elevated content of aluminium in the wood and roots of oaks growing on the Krotoszyn Plateau as compared to oaks in Zawiercie (near a Steel Mill), where the reaction of soil is neutral. The content of Al in the xylem of oaks from the Krotoszyn Plateau was over the range 3.8-9.9 µg/g, in the roots 198-499 µg/g, that in the xylem and roots of oaks in Zawiercie was 1.5 µg/g and 56 µg/g, respectively