Content of some nutrients in Scots pine, silver birch and Norway maple in an urbanized environment

In the late 18th and early 19th c., a drastic reduction in the area of forests due to their excessive exploitation occurred in Europe, which gave rise to the birth of afforestation efforts. The chemical composition of plants, including trees, depends on the many biotic and abiotic environmental factors. The aim of this study was to determine the content of some nutrients in needles and bark of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), leaves and bark of silver birch (Betula pendula) and Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.), depending on their location. The content of phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium depended on a plant species, plant organ and the location of sample collection. The leaves of silver birch, compared to its bark, contained ten-fold more potassium and six-fold more phosphorus and magnesium. The content of phosphorus was the highest in silver birch leaves in the center of Olsztyn. The highest potassium content was observed in silver birch leaves and Norway maple bark in the center of Olsztyn. The calcium content was the highest in the leaves and bark of maple trees growing near State Road 51 and in the leaves of this species in the city center. The highest sodium content was detected in the leaves and bark of most tree species growing along State Road 51 and in the center of Olsztyn.