It is well known that chlorophyll usually decomposes prior to leaf
abscission, thereby significantly altering spectral properties of leaves.
What is the fate of the magnesium in chlorophyll? Does it remain in the
leaf or is it transferred back into the stem? Does the plant maintain a
winter reservoir of magnesium for the spring leaves or does it take up new
magnesium from the ground?
Any response to these questions will be gratefully appreciated.
Forerst M. Mims III
Sun Photometer Atmospheric Network (SPAN)
