EFFECTS OF TRAFFIC BASED POLLUTION ON NITROGEN USE PROFICIENCY, CARBON CONTENT AND LITTER C:N RATIO IN PRUNUS PERSICA (L.) BATSCH (PEACH) LEAVES

Abstract

Traffic based pollution negatively affects plants and causes damages in structure and physiological processes. From this point of view, it was aimed to examine the effects of traffic based pollution on nitrogen use proficiency, carbon content and litter C:N ratio in Prunus persica (L.) Batsch (peach) leaves. For this purpose, senescent P. persica leaves were collected in 0-100-200-300-400 m distance from the highway. N and C concentrations were determined, C:N ratios were calculated for both washed and unwashed leaves according to distance. Significant differences were found in element concentrations among sampling localities from 0 to 400 m. However, N concentrations didn't increase or decrease in relation to distance from the road in proportion. C concentrations increased as long as becoming distant from the road. It is clear that traffic based pollution was effective on C accumulation in leaves in P. persica. Minimum N concentration and C:N ratio were determined in 100 m. This may be because of particle movement from 0 to 100 m due to the wind effect of vehicles. Strong negative relationships were found between N concentrations and C:N ratios.