Micronutrients in biomass fractions of holm oak, beech and fir forests of the Montseny massif (Catalonia, NE Spain)

This study is part of a larger research programme on different forest ecosystems in the Montseny massif (Barcelona, NE Spain). The contents of 4 micronutrients (Mn, Fe, Zn and Cu) are given for some biomass fractions in individual monospecific stands of holm oak (Quercus ilex L), beech (Fagus sylvatica L) and fir (Abies alba). The behaviour of different micronutrients is related to relative mobility. Mn, Fe and Zn concentrations increase with leaf age. Nutrient levels of the Montseny stands are compared with those found in other forests of the same species. We have observed relatively high Mn concentrations in different biomass fractions of the holm oak forest studied. This can be related to the low soil pH values. Our 3 forests show different micronutrient allocational patterns. Total quantities of the micronutrients in the biomass are only calculated for Q ilex forest. Values found are 33.6 kg Mn/ha, 15.0 kg Fe/ha, 2.8 kg Zn/ha and 0.17 kg Cu/ha.