Soil-plant interactions in the monumental plane trees (Platanus orientalis) grove-Canakkale-Turkey

Abstract

Aim : To study ecological features of monumental plane trees. Evaluate soil-plant interactions and mineral nutrition status of 150 to 800 year-old-chosen trees. Methodology : Soil and plant samples were collected and analysed using Kjeldahl, spectrophotometer, Flame photometer and ICP-OES. Results : The pH, electrical conductivity, calcium carbonate, organic matter, total nitrogen, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc and copper values in the soil samples ranged between 6.6-7.4, 0.58-1.26 (dS. m(-1)), 0.00-1.52%, 1.55-5.05%, 0.08-0.29%, 4-28 ppm, 20-33 ppm, 50-314 ppm, 1086-3041 ppm, 54-302 ppm, 3.57-15.30 ppm, 3.37-13.29 ppm, 1.84-4.17 ppm, and 0.411.48 ppm, respectively. The mineral element values in young root, young stem, elderly stern, stem bark and leaf showed normal range.A strong relation has been noted among the Mg, P, Na, Mn, Fe, total N and Zn. Interpretation : Excess amount of Fe and Ca get accummulated in different plant parts.