Foliar N and P resorption and foliar nutrient concentrations in canopy and subcanopy of a Fagus orientalis forest

Abstract

Foliar N and P concentrations (on a leaf mass basis), N and P absolute and proportional resorption in different strata of a Fagus orientalis Lipsky forest in Central Black Sea region, in the north of Turkey were studied. N (mg/g) and C (%) concentrations significantly changed with respect to leaf growth stage and species. However, P (mg/g) concentration did not significantly change. In addition to this, absolute N resorption significantly differed among canopy and subcanopy species although absolute P and proportional N and P resorption did not vary significantly. Proportional N and P resorption rates were usually higher than in other temperate deciduous and evergreen species and varied between 28.5-73.4 % and 50.8-79.7 %, respectively.