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Native Plant Synoptic Garden
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All micronutrients were found to be within the desired range with the exception of iron.
Iron was measured slightly higher than the range suggested by the University of Massachusetts
lab. “A high iron level is more acceptable than a low one; iron deficiency is one of the more
common deficiencies that can be hard to correct and sustain over time” (Harris, 2004).
Although essential to plants, micronutrients such as boron, copper, manganese and zinc
are only necessary in small amounts. Boron and copper can both become toxic at generally low
levels; but both were found to be on the low end of the acceptable range which is favorable for
site conditions (UMass., 2004). Zinc levels on site are within the acceptable range by University
of Massachusetts standards, but may be considered low for soils on site. “Zinc deficiency can be
a problem in Puget Sound soils with deficiency symptoms most notable in cultivated trees”
(Chalker-Scott, 2004; Harris, 2004). Some symptoms of zinc deficiency are shorter branches,
smaller leaves, dead branches, and chlorotic foliage (Chalker-Scott, 2004; Marschner, 1995).
“Depending on a number of climatic and regional inputs, soil with a zinc deficiency can be
amended by applying a zinc based fertilizer or using a foliar spray” (Harris, 2004). Again, it is
recommended that if zinc deficiency is suspected, additional soil analysis in conjunction with
plant tissue analysis could provide additional information needed prior to implementing remedial
treatments.
FIGURE 7:
MICRONUTRIENT CONTENT
MICRONUTRIENT PPM SOIL RANGE (PPM)
Boron 0.4 0.1 to 2.0
Manganese 3.9 3 to 20
Zinc 1.8 0.1 to 70
Copper 0.9 0.3 to 8.0
Iron 46.3 1.0 to 40
Design Concept for
Synoptic Garden
The design herein
presented for the Arboretum’s
Graham Visitors Center is
Location of Native Plant Synoptic Garden
largely based upon a concept introduced in A Greenprint for the Future: the Arboretum Master
Plan completed in 2001, and the further development of this concept by Stephen John Van Hoven