Dynamics of fine root N,Pand K in high elevation forests of central Himalaya

Fine root nutrient dynamics were calculated for one year in three high elevation forests of Indian central Himalaya.In all sites,fine root nutrient concentrations varied with respect to forests and seasons.N concentration in fine roots was highest followed by K and P.In general,fine roots showed their highest nutrient concentrations during the rainy season and lowest in winter.Higher nutrient concentrations during the rainy season may be related to favorable moisture and temperature regimes which in turn results in increased plant growth activities.Present fine root nutrient amounts and nutrient uptake values decreased towards high elevations.In general,the highest amounts of nutrients in both live and dead fine roots were observed in September and the lowest in the month of June.Turnover rates of the nutrients in the fine roots also decreased with an increase in elevation.