The aim of the research project was to test the hypothesis that the white birch as hyperaccumulator of selected trace elements can be used in soil remedia-tion, that it acts as bioindicator in environmental studies and can be a useful spe-cies for planting to restrict migration of trace elements to the forest ecosystem with no adverse impact on its development and proper functioning. The research presented in this paper relied on a comparison of the mor-phometric parameters of assimilation apparatus in white birch (Betula pendula Roth.) growing in an isolated geomembranes soil, which has received two doses of trace elements in easily digestible forms. The results showed that the different levels of trace elements have the same impact on the state of assimilation apparatus birch. Given the prevalence of birch in Polish conditions, its good adoption to an environment with a strong human impact and low environmental requirements, this species may be suitable for planting in the form of biogeochemical barriers screening sources emitting trace elements (routes, dumps, landfills, industrial plants, sewage treatment plant).
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The effect of fertilization with the compost from forest humus and mulching with the fresh ectohumus on the soil properties, the growth of one-year old white birch seedlings as well as on the biological activity of soils in the forest nursery was investigated in the work. The biological activity was estimated with the use of bioindicatory method - mites (Acari), especially saprophage oribatid mites (Ori-batida) were used as biological indices. The pedosphere of studied area in the forest nursery had acid reaction (pH), and the mulching with the fresh forest ectohumus decreased additionally this value. On the basis of analysis of available P and K, it was found that there was small differentiation between plots fertilized with mineral fertilization and those fertilized with the compost and mulched with the fresh ectohumus. Fertilization with the compost significantly increased the height and the fresh mass of the above-ground parts of one-year old white birch seedlings. Influence of mulching - conducted in September - on these parameters was not detected. In the spring sea-son, before the mulching measure, the density of mites was low. After the mulching measure, the number of mites - especially saprophage oribatid mites - was dis-tinctly increased. On ...
