Some effects of N on ectomycorrhizal diversity of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in northeastern Germany

In the last three decades high industrial nitrogen (N) emissions have led to eutrophication of a Scots pine stand (Pinus sylvestris [L.]) near Schwedt characterized by a broad cover of Calamagrostis epigejos [L.] Roth (Poaceae). In comparison to the relatively unimpacted control site (low N site), this high N site showed a remarkably low mycorrhizal frequency (percentage of mycorrhizas on total amount of root tips) with seasonal lows down to 27 %. At the low N site the highest number of mycorrhizal root tips was found in the organic layer. At the high N site the amount of mycorrhizas per soil volume was similar in both organic and mineral soil layers, and also significantly lower when compared to the amount at the low N site. The high N site revealed only nine mycorrhizal morphotypes instead of eighteen found at each sampling date at the control site. 80 % of the coenosis at the high N site were represented by only four morphotypes resulting in a low diversity. The seasonal decrease in the mycorrhizal frequency, the small amount of mycorrhizas and the low diversity suggest that the high N deposition at this site has reduced the ability of the pine trees to withstand natural stresses such as prolonged drought or frost periods. This corresponds well with the 42 % reduction in tree stocking density at the high N site compared to the low N site.