© 1986 Heron Publishing—Victoria, Canada
Factors contributing to forest decline in northwestern Switzerland
W. Flückiger, S. Braun, S. Leonardi, N. Asche and H. Flückiger-Keller
Institute for Applied Plant Biology, Sandgrubenstraße 25, CH-4124 Schönenbuch, Switzerland / Received January 8, 1986
Summary
Possible causes of decline of 37 beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests in northwestern Switzerland were investigated. The trees were assessed for symptoms of damage or disease including
loss of leaves, chlorosis and dead shoots. In addition, nutrients and pollutants were analyzed in soil, leaves, stemflow and
rainwater. Air pollutants were monitored at several sites. The results indicate that a variety of factors may have contributed
to forest decline.
