Effects of soil cadmium on Pinus sylvestris L. seedlings

The effects of Cd on the growth and distribution of Cd and mineral nutrients within plant tissues were investigated for Pinus sylvestris L. seedlings grown in mineral forest soil with increasing levels of Cd addition (0-100 mg kg^-1). Approximately 20% of added Cd was found to be extractable from sandy loam forest soil. Root growth was less affected by Cd than shoot growth, which showed a significant reduction in the 100 mg Cd kg^-1 treatment. Cadmium accumulated in roots up to 325 mg kg^-1. Decreased concentrations of K in needles and Ca in stems with increasing Cd levels suggest a disturbance of mineral nutrition as a result of Cd addition.