© 1997 Heron Publishing—Victoria, Canada
Interdependence of pH, malate concentration, and calcium and magnesium concentrations in the xylem sap of beech roots
Judith Schell
Arbeitsgruppe für Pflanzen-, Vegetations- und Landschaftsökologie, Fachbereich Biologie/Chemie, Universität/Gesamthochschule
Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Straße 40, D-34132 Kassel, Germany / Received May 23, 1996
Summary
The presence and concentration of mineral nutrients and organic acids were analyzed in root xylem sap of mature beech trees
(Fagus sylvatica L.). An interdependence between malate concentration, pH, and calcium and magnesium concentrations was observed. Significant
correlations were found between low pH values and high calcium and magnesium concentrations, low pH values and high malate
concentration, and high malate concentration and high total calcium and magnesium concentrations. The observed correlations
suggest that malic acid determines the chemical milieu of the xylem sap and tends to form complexes with hydrated or exchangeable
adsorbed cations, thereby influencing the mobilization and translocation of calcium and magnesium in beech sapwood.
Keywords:
Fagus sylvatica, mobilization, nutrient dynamics.
