Distribution pattern of nutrient elements in plants of Dinghushan lower subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest.

The investigation of plant nutrient contents in Dinghushan lower subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest was carried out in August 1996. Sampling was made in Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve, Guangdong, from tree, shrub, liana and herb layers with 5-8 representative species each. It was shown that the nutrient contents in leaves of all plants were N 0.946% - 2.535%, P 0.030% - 0. 127%, K 0.614% - 1 .833%, Ca 0.442% - 1 .995% and Mg 0.024% - 0.188%. Average contents of nutrient elements in various organs and at different layers in the forest were varied. Average nutrient content of N was highest in leaves, and in descending order in barks, branches, root and stems, other elements: P in leaves branches roots barks stems; K in leaves branches barks roots stems, Ca in barks leaves branches roots stems, Mg in leaves stems roots barks branches. The distribution of elements in most plants was as follows f NCa KMgP in leaves, branches and roots, KCa NMg P in stems, and Ca NKMg P in barks. The factors, especially P and Mg, possibly limiting the plant productivity in the area studied are discussed.