EFFECTS OF GROWTH STAGE AND THE SEASON ON THE MINERAL CONCENTRATIONS IN CERASTIUM HOLOSTEOIDES

In a field trial carried out in the years 1998 and 1999 on Arrhenatheretum elatioris semi-natural mesotropic grassland, the effects of growth stage and the season on the mineral concentrations in Cerastium holosteoides were examined. Concentrations of most observed minerals (Na, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, and Cu) in C. holosteoides were decreasing with advancing maturity. The season significantly affected P and Mg concentrations, where values were significantly lower in summer, and Ca and Mn concentrations, where values were significantly higher in the summer than in spring. Differences in mineral concentrations between years were significant only at Mn and Zn.