EN
The effects of drought stress, stress by increased nitrogen depositions and the combined effect of the two stress factors on the growth of Norway spruce Picea abies (L.) Karst. were studied in two stands. The drought stress was induced by reducing atmospheric precipitations by 60% and the increased nitrogen depositions were simulated by repeated applications of ammonium sulphate at a rate corresponding to 100 kg N ha–1 year–1. All stress factors under study affected the height increment of the above-ground part, the length and colour of needles, and the biomass, vertical distribution, functionality and mycorrhizal infection of fine roots. The root system responded to the simulated stresses right from the the very first year of their action, exhibiting a greater damage than the above-ground part of the plant. Drought acted as a stress factor stronger than the nitrogen depositions themselves. The strongest impact was recorded in the simultaneous influence of the stress factors.