• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.261-275
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• 1994

The annual ring widths of tree and the vertical distribution of fine roots were investigated at 33 sites of pitch pine forests in Seoul, its vicinity and rural areas. The annual ring widths among 16 - 20 year-old pitch pines in urban areas were significantly lower than those in rural areas. The annual ring widths for the latest 5 years (1985-1989) for the age class of 11-20, 21-30 and 31-40 year old pines increased in the following order for all the age classes: urban areas< suburbs

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
• /
• v.17 no.3
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• pp.277-286
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• 1994

The contents of major elements were determined in current-year and previous-year needles and fine roots of pitch pine (Pinus yzgida) at 33 sites in Seoul and its vicinity. Contrary to Ca and Al in needles, N, P, Mg and K contents in current-year needles were higher than those in previous-year needles. The N, P, K and Al contents in current-year needles in Seoul were not significantly different from those in rural areas. In contrast, Ca and Mg contents in needles in Seoul were significantly lower than those in suburbs and rural areas. The N /Ca and N /Mg ratios in needles in urban Seoul were higher than those in rural areas. Mg contents in fine roots in soil of 0-5 cm depth increased along with distance from the center of Seoul, while Al contents in fine root in soil of 5-10 cm depth decreased along with distance from the center of Seoul. Al contents in fine roots in soil layer in Seoul and suburbs were higher than those in rural areas. Al contents in fine roots in litter layer were 1 /3 - 1 /2 times lower than those in soil layer for all areas. A1 content in fine roots in deep soil was higher than that in top soil. Therefore growth decline of pitch pine in Seoul and suburbs was thought to be caused by Ca and Mg deficiency in plant tissues and Al toxicity to fine roots. Abnormal vertical distribution of fine roots of pitch pine in Seoul and its vicinity were interpreted as the result of growth reduction of fine roots by Al toxicity in deep layer of acid soil.