Advances in assessing Ca, K, and Mn translocation in oak tree stems ( spp.).

As a part of the biogeochemical cycle, nutrient translocation plays an important role in enhancing the capacity of perennial plants to grow in nutrient-poor soils. Although leaf translocation has been extensively studied, nutrient translocation between wood rings has received considerably less attention, primarily because of methodological constraints. This study aimed to (i) evaluate the effects of different drying techniques on Ca, K, and Mn concentrations, (ii) calibrate a semi-quantitative method for obtaining ring-to-ring nutrient concentrations along wood cores, and (iii) develop a complete calculation chain for nutrient translocation.