SOME PINE-SOIL RELATIONSHIPS IN THE MT. BURR FOREST AREA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

SUMMARY Studies on the trace element content of selected pine needles from Pinus radiata and associated soils have shown that the roots of these trees are gaining access to the basaltic soils buried beneath the podzolized aeolian sands of some areas in the Mt. Burr forest. The influence of these buried soils in the nutrition of the pine is discussed. Circulation of material by the pine trees has not greatly affected the nutrient status of the surface soil for the elements studied. No general relationship could be found between the trace element content of the pine needles, the soil or the health of the pines. For zinc, it was highest in the needles from the healthiest pines, highest in the soil below these pines, and lowest in the soil beneath the poorest pines. Results also suggested that in the early stages of needle decay, copper and zinc were readily leached from the needles and that nickel, manganese, molybdenum, and vanadium tended to be retained.