Cekstere, G. and Osvalde, A. 2010. Macronutrient Status in the Different-Aged Lime Trees (Tilia x vulgaris H.) in Riga Streets.   Baltic Forestry 16 (1): 16-22

The research was done to evaluate the different-aged Lime trees (Tilia x vulgaris H.) supply with macronutrients on Riga streets (Latvia). The concentrations of 6 macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S) were estimated in the Lime leaf and soil samples collected from 15 objects (47 individual trees) in Riga during August of 2007. Along with the chemical analysis, a bioindication research was done to diagnose the physiological status of trees. The results revealed that the status of young street trees could be characterized as slightly damaged and damaged for old trees, in general. There was no close correlation between the concentration of element in the soil and lime leaves. Both in the soil and leaf samples the highest element concentration variance was stated for metals Ca and Mg, but the lowest – for non-metals S and N. Statistically significant differences were found for N, Mg, S in soil samples, and K, P, and S in leaf samples between the young and old lime trees (plantings as greenery). The main factors affecting negative T. x vulgaris mineral nutrition were very low supply with N, S, K, and elevate concentrations of P, Ca, Mg. Low concentrations of S, K, as well as Mg, P were stated in leaves. Well visible K deficiency symptoms in young tree leaves were observed.

Key words: lime trees, macronutrient imbalance, leaf analysis, soil analysis.