Impact and Extent of Traffic-Based Pollution on N and P Use Proficiency and Litter Decomposition in Malus domestica Borkh.

Abstract

Traffic-based pollution causes accumulation of some elements in plant tissues and damages anatomical and physiological processes of plants. Nutrient use proficiency and litter decomposition are two basic processes of nutrient dynamics This study aimed to determine the effects of traffic-based pollution on N and. P use proficiency and litter decomposition in Malus domestica Borkh. (Rosaceae) which is a commonly cultivated fruit tree worldwide. The study was carried out in Amasya, Turkey, where the apple is the symbol of the city. Leaf samples were collected from apple trees at 0-, 100-, and 200-meter distances from the highway. N, P, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Ph, and Zn concentrations were measured in the collected samples. All of the element concentrations varied according to the distance from the road, Traffic-based heavy metal pollution increased N and P use proficiency. It may be said that M. domestica reabsorb more N and P from senescent leaves due to the high heavy metal concentrations in their leaves. The decomposition rate was highest at 0 m and lowest at 100 m. The variations in the remaining dry weight. mass loss (%), and k value due to traffic-based pollution were not statistically significant. A significant negative relationship was determined between the initial N concentration and the litter decomposition rate. It was thought that this negative relationship resulted from recalcitrant condensation products that are formed by lignin and N.