6533b835fe1ef96bd129e955

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Selection of biological and chemical parameters indicating or affecting the vitality of Norway spruce

subject

description

Abstract Thirty-two young and old Norway spruce trees ( Picea abies (L.) Karst.) showing different degrees of damage were investigated in a forest stand in the Taunus Mountains (FRG). The old trees showed visual symptoms of damage such as discolouration of the needles and needle loss. Over 70 biometric, physiological and chemical parameters were determined for needle and soil samples. Interrelationships between these variables were described by correlation analysis. The most discriminant variables between different groups of trees were found by Fisher weighing. This reduced data set was used for principal component analysis and for the classification of various parameters according to different symptoms of damage. Multiple stepwise regression analysis was used to select the most relevant variables which can be used to explain and to predict the vitality of the spruce trees. The geoecological approach showed that genetic differences, nutrient supply, water status and the impact of soil acidity are major factors which influence the symptoms of damage.