Microelement Status of Balsam Fir in the Southern Laurentians

Concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn,Cu, and Al in first-season needles of balsam fir (Abiesbalsamea (L.) Mill.) averaged 46, 1180, 56, 6.7, and 205 p.p.m., respectively, for 200 mature trees sampled in 20 fir stands distributed on three different soil series. There were no significant differences in element concentrations among these three groups. Concentrations of B, Cl, and Mo averaged 18.9, 385, and 0.11 p.p.m., respectively, from 110 trees of 11 stands. Manganese concentrations increased consistently with needle age; with few exceptions, Fe, Zn, and Al concentrations were unaffected by needle age. Results from a single stand indicated no significant variation due to crown position, except for Mn level which increased significantly from the lower to the upper crown. Levels of Fe, Mn,Zn, Cu, and Al in first-season needles remained fairly constant over a 10-week period in fall. Sampling guides are provided for future work.