Spatial Variation in the Concentration of Phenolic Compounds and Nutritional Elements in the Needles of Spruce in Northern Taiga Forests

Abstract

Patterns of lateral intrabiogeocenotic (between separate elementary biogeoranges) and interbiogeocenotic variability in the content of secondary metabolites and nutritional elements in the different-age needles of spruce (Picea abies ssp. obovata (Ledeb.) Domin) have been studied along the geochemical transect in spruce forests in northern taiga (Kola Peninsula). The perennial needles of spruce undergrowth (30–40 years) are characterized by a higher concentration of carbon, lignin, high-molecular-weight phenolic compounds, bounded tannins, and wide ranges of lignin/cellulose and lignin/N ratios compared to trees older than 100 years. The needles of spruce trees older than 100 years have significantly more bounded tannins and low-molecular-weight phenols in transitional and accumulative sites than in automorphic locations. The concentration of lignin and lignin/N ratio was significantly higher in the 5–7-year-old needles of spruce trees growing in automorphic conditions, while spruce forests in transitional and accumulative sites have the maximum values of these indicators for the current-year needles. Changes in the chemical composition of spruce needles along the geochemical transect are determined by (1) different concentrations of nutritional elements and secondary metabolites in soils; (2) increased soil moisture from automorphic to accumulative sites; (3) the features of the microbiological activity of soils; and (4) environmental factors (light, temperature, etc.).