Mineral Concentrations in True Mountain Mahogany and Utah Juniper, And In Associated Soils

Abstract

Concentrations of minerals in soils and plants were measured in two communities. Zinc, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and nitrogen showed significantly (p< 0.01) greater concentration in true mountain mahogany than in Utah juniper. Soils beneath plant canopies had significantly higher (p< 0.01) nitrogen than soils in open areas between plants. Concentrations of zinc, manganese, and phosphorus were significantly (p< 0.01) higher in the soils of the juniper community, while calcium and magnesium concentrations were significantly (p< 0.01) higher in the soils of the mountain mahogany community. True mountain mahogany showed copper concentration (x=28.9 ppm) high enough to approach toxic levels for some herbivores. Except for copper, mineral concentrations indicated good forage value for these two species.