Aluminum toxicity in trees

[Jason Douglas]

I think a problem is arising with species that arent adapted to such low pH where metal ions can become toxic.

Not a problem here as we're still pretty limey and alkaline where the metals are much much less available.

 

[Jason Douglas]

Attached is some of Kevin's and other's papers regarding acid deposition and it's effects.

There's a lot more available at the Forest Service website.

 

[JeffGu]

Most excellent reading, Jason. Managing even small tree lines and woodlots on agricultural land and leaving pruned/fallen deadwood in brush/wood piles is not only good habitat for the wildlife, but helps to build healthy forest floors. K.T. Smith and the others point out an interesting benefit that plays directly to this thread's subject... the rotting wood increases exchangeable Ca, while decreasing exchangeable Al, to the surrounding trees.

Unfortunetly, the number of landowners around here that would place any significance on the value of doing this is vastly overwhelmed by the number who use tractors and bulldozers to clear anything that is roughly perpendicular to the ground, pile it up and burn it, and plant corn and soybeans.