Element content of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands of different densities

Modern forestry management should be based on the principle of sustainability.In order to preserve habitat productivity, the amount of nutrients removed from the environment along with forestry products must be taken into consideration. This study shows the exact concentrations of chemical elements in different tree parts of Scots pine, growing on poor soils in north-western Poland. The observedvalues were compared to the values found in literature. In addition, the relationship between the concentrations of elements and stem diameter or stand density was researched. The highest concentration of chemical elements was observed in the needles (C, N, P, K, Mg, S, Mn, Na, Fe) and the lowest (C, N, P, S, Cu, Na, Ni, Pb, Zn, Fe) in the stem wood. Most of the macronutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg and S) reached optimal values, with the exception of N showing a deficiency, especially in the needles. The relationship between the content of elements and DBH or stand density was rather weak, and in both cases, negative.