JOURNAL OF NANJING FORESTRY UNIVERSITY ›› 2025, Vol. 49 ›› Issue (2): 115-122.doi: 10.12302/j.issn.1000-2006.202309021

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Changes in leaf color and their relationship with leaf mineral elements under soil alkaline conditioners of Acer×freemanii

WU Yi1(), LIU Yong1,*(), ZHOU Xiaojie2, WANG Kaiyong2, WANG Wenxiao2   

  1. 1. College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Canservation of Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China
    2. Beijing Jingcai Yanyuan Nursery, Beijing 101109, China
  • Received:2023-09-12 Accepted:2023-12-15 Online:2025-03-30 Published:2025-03-28
  • Contact: LIU Yong E-mail:adainthewoods@163.com;lyong@bjfu.edu.cn

Abstract:

【Objective】 This study investigated the effects of soil amendments on the color changes in Acer×freemanii leaves and explored the relationship between leaf color changes and leaf mineral element content. The findings aim to provide a theoretical basis for addressing the issue of non-red coloration in Acer×freemanii leaves.【Method】Six-year-old Acer×freemanii trees were used as the experimental material. Five gradient treatments combining sulfur powder and desulfurization gypsum as soil alkaline amendments were applied. Leaf color changes were observed during four autumn time periods, with measurements of leaf pigments and the contents of ten mineral elements.【Result】Soil alkaline amendment treatments significantly influenced the contents of chlorophyll, carotenoids, and anthocyanins in leaves, as well as leaf color parameters (L*, a* and b* values). Among the treatments, T5 (1.94 kg/m3 sulfur powder and 2.33 kg/m3 desulfurized gypsum) resulted in the most vibrant leaf coloration and an extended period of color development. The treatments also significantly affected the content and variation trends of mineral elements in leaves. Correlation analysis revealed that nitrogen (N) showed a strong positive correlation with chlorophyll and carotenoids (P<0.01) and a strong negative correlation with anthocyanins (P < 0.01). Potassium (K) showed a significant negative correlation with carotenoids (P<0.05). Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg) showed a strong negative correlation with chlorophyll (P<0.01) and a significant positive correlation with anthocyanins (P<0.05). Manganese (Mn) showed a strong positive correlation with carotenoids (P<0.01).【Conclusion】Lowering soil pH within a certain range enhances the coloration of Acer×freemanii leaves. Soil amendments have a significant impact on pigment and mineral element contents in the leaves. Mineral elements, particularly N, K, Ca, Mg, and Mn, show strong correlations with leaf color changes, emphasizing their importance in managing leaf coloration.

Key words: Acer×freemanii, leaf mineral element, soil alkaline amendment, leaf color changes

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