Investigation of some needle characteristics between dead and healthy Austrian pine (Pinus nigra Arnold.) trees in forest decline sites around the air-polluted Kotahya province

Abstract

The chemical composition (nitrogen, sulfur and organic matter content), needle length and weight were investigated in healthy and dead needles of Austrian pine (Pinus nigra Arnold.) trees collected from forest decline sites around the Kutahya province, which is one of the most polluted provinces of Turkey. Needles were collected from nine different locations at three different main sites. Certain needle characteristics were compared between healthy and dead trees.