Tree Foliage: Sampling and Chemical Analyses

Abstract Chemical foliar analyses are a widely used tool to obtain information on the nutritional status of forests and effects of stress factors such as atmospheric deposition. Harmonized methods for field sampling, laboratory analysis, and data treatment as well as stringent Quality Assurance and Quality Control are essential to provide reliable results, especially when data collection is carried out at the large scale and on the long term. Based on the experience gained within the ICP Forests, this chapter gives practical advice on how, where, and when to sample tree foliage. It further covers methodologies for sample transport, storage, and preparation and gives advice on treatment and analysis of the samples in the laboratory. Examples of 20 years’ experience in foliar analysis in the context of the ICP Forests monitoring program show the potential and relevance of the methods presented.