Nutrient Content in Leaves from Different Strata of a Swamp Forest from Northern Turkey

Abstract

Specific leaf mass (SLM), mass (mg/g) and area (g/m2)-based nitrogen and phosphorus contents of plant species from different strata in a swamp forest (Pterocaryo fraxinifoliae-Fraxinetum angustifoliae) from the north part of Turkey were investigated. Leaf N/area (g/m2) and leaf N/mass (mg/g) values differed significantly between small trees, large trees, large shrubs, small shrubs and climbers. Large shrub stratum has remarkably higher nutrient contents than the other strata. Leaf P/area (g/m2) and leaf P/mass (mg/g) values were similar for the different strata.