Abstract
This study was aimed at making a quantitative evaluation of the biomass, carbohydrates and mineral nutrients partitioning in the canopy of aspen (Populus tremula L.) growing in a forest stand. Tree canopy biomass was divided into ten equal horizontal layers and the material for the study was sampled from all canopy layers. The results indicated that the specific leaf mass and the dry matter content increased but the area of leaves decreased toward the top of the canopy. The content of the non-structural carbohydrates depended largely on the position of the leaves in the canopy and the N, P and K contents in the leaves, reaching a maximum in the upper canopy layers better exposed to light. Regression analysis showed a linear relationship between the leaf mass per area and the percentage of dry matter on the one hand and the content of carbohydrates, N, P and K in the canopy on the other.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 11 March 1997 / Accepted: 16 June 1997
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mandre, M., Tullus, H. & Tamm, Ü. The partitioning of carbohydrates and the biomass of leaves in Populus tremula L . canopy. Trees 12, 160–166 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00009706
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00009706