A recent scientific study has revealed the role of the balance between nutrients inside tree leaves in determining the timing of their aging and color change during autumn. The rise in the nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratio is linked to accelerating this process, while a higher nitrogen-to-potassium ratio delays it.
The scientific website Phys.org stated that the study, led by researchers from Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment in the US and published in the journal Nature Communications, relied on analyzing data from 25 US forests to determine the impact of nutrient balance on the timing of leaf aging and color change.
The results showed that a higher nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratio was linked to the early onset of leaf aging in 20 forests, regardless of climatic differences, geographical altitudes, and tree species. Meanwhile, a higher nitrogen-to-potassium ratio was linked to a delay in this process.
Remote sensing technologies
The study demonstrated that nutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, perform vital functions within leaves. They contribute to the production of chlorophyll, which is responsible for the green color, as well as photosynthesis and sugar transport processes. It noted that an imbalance among them can affect these processes and accelerate leaf aging and color change.
Researchers used remote sensing technologies and data from the US National Ecological Observatory Network to analyze light reflected and absorbed by tree canopies and estimate their nutrient content. This allowed for the study of large forest areas without restricting themselves to collecting leaf samples and analyzing them in laboratories.
Environmental and economic importance
Researchers pointed out that the study's results could contribute to improving predictions of autumn color change and leaf fall dates. Furthermore, they could be utilized in developing fertilizer management for crops and orchards by considering the balance between nutrients and its impact on plant growth and seasonal stages.
These results gain environmental importance, given that the timing of leaf aging and fall is linked to the duration trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, which has an impact on the carbon cycle and the ecological balance of forests.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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