Fine root biomass and nutrient content in a black spruce peat soil with and without alder

1998 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 163-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. S. Bhatti ◽  
N. W. Foster ◽  
P. W. Hazlett
Keyword(s):  
Fine Roots ◽  
Root Biomass ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Peat Soil ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Fine Root Biomass ◽  
Boreal Peatlands ◽  
Strong Positive Relationship

Vertical distribution of fine root biomass and nutrient content was examined within a black spruce (Picea mariana) stand growing on a boreal peat soil in northeastern Ontario. The influence of site physical and chemical properties on fine root biomass production was assessed. More then 80% of the fine roots were present in moss plus the top 10 cm of peat where nutrients and aeration are most favourable. The fine root biomass (W/V) was significantly higher with alder (5.9 kg m−3) (Alnus rugosa) as understory vegetation compared to non-alder locations (2.9 kg m−3). Total nutrient content in fine roots was 54, 3.2, 5.4, 63 and 5.7 kg ha−1 on the alder site and 20, 1.4, 2.3, 28 and 4.2 kg ha−1 of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg on the non-alder site, respectively. The mass (W/V) of nutrients in fine roots was strongly dependent upon the availability of nutrients in the peat. Fine root content had a strong positive relationship with peat available P and exchangeable K contents suggesting that P and K may be limiting nutrients for black spruce in this peat soil. Key words: Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, boreal peatlands, aeration, water table

scholarly journals Effect of Altitude on Nutrient Concentration, Nutrient Stock and Uptake in Fine Root of Sal (Shorea Robusta Gaertn.) Forest in Terai and Hill Areas of Eastern Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-29
Author(s):  
Krishna Prasad Bhattarai ◽  
Tej Narayan Mandal ◽  
Tilak Prasad Gautam
Keyword(s):  
Fine Roots ◽  
Root Biomass ◽  
Nutrient Concentration ◽  
Nutrient Dynamics ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Fine Root Biomass ◽  
Root Production ◽  
Nutrient Stock ◽  
Sal Forest

The present study was conducted to understand the effect of altitude on the nutrient concentration, nutrient stock, and uptake in the fine root of the Terai Sal forest (TSF) and Hill Sal forest (HSF) in eastern Nepal. Annual mean fine root biomass in 0-30 cm soil depth was found higher in HSF (6.27 Mg ha-1) than TSF (5.05 Mg ha-1). Conversely, fine root production was higher in TSF (4.8 Mg ha-1 y-1) than HSF (4.12 Mg ha-1 y-1). Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content in fine roots were slightly higher in TSF than HSF. Nutrient concentration in fine roots of smaller size (<2 mm diameter) was nearly 1.2 times greater than that of larger size (2–5 mm diameter) in both forests. In HSF total stock of different nutrients (kg ha-1) in fine root was 55.62 N, 4.99 P, and 20.15 K whereas, these values were 49.49 N, 4.14 P, and 19.27 K only in TSF. However, total nutrient uptake (kg ha-1y-1) by fine root (both size classes) was greater in TSF (48.5 N, 4.3 P, and 18.6 K) than HSF (36.9 N, 3.3 P, and 13.5 K). The variability in fine root nutrient dynamics between these two forests was explained by the differences in fine root biomass and production which were influenced by the combined effect of varied altitude and season. The fine root, as being a greater source of organic matter, the information on its nutrient dynamics is inevitable for the management of soil nutrients in the forest ecosystem.

Endomycorrhizal status of sugar maple in relation to tree decline and foliar, fine-roots, and soil chemistry in the Beauce region, Quebec

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (8) ◽  
pp. 1168-1175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rock Ouimet ◽  
Claude Camiré ◽  
Valentin Furlan
Keyword(s):  
Soil Chemistry ◽  
Fine Roots ◽  
Acer Saccharum ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Root Colonization ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Nutrient Status ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Tree Decline

The Beauce region of Quebec has been relentlessly affected by sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) tree decline since the late 1970s. Nutrient disturbances are generally associated with maple decline, but the severity of decline symptoms can vary quite dramatically between individuals within a stand. Possible causes of this variability were investigated, including soil chemistry and endomycorrhization. Within 18 mature sugar maple stands, a comparative study of fine root colonization rate by endomycorrhizal fungi, and foliar, fine-roots, and soil-nutrient status between healthy and declining sugar maple trees was carried out. Three individuals showing a very low degree of decline symptoms (healthy) and three individuals in the vicinity exhibiting severe decline symptoms (declining) were selected in each stand. Although trees of both health classes were K and Ca deficient, the diagnosis revealed that those in the declining group were experiencing a more severe nutrient stress and lower stem radial growth than those in the healthy group. The percent colonization by endomycorrhizal fungi in fine roots of sugar maple varied from 8 to 40% among stands, with an average of 23%. However, the endomycorrhization rate was not related to tree health status. The frequency of endomycorrhization was positively correlated to soil pH and soil exchangeable Mg saturation, but negatively to the proportion of H + Al held on the soil exchange complex. Also, the rate of endomycorrhization was correlated positively to foliar and root Ca content, but negatively to foliar and root N content. Foliar N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Mn contents were positively correlated to corresponding nutrient content in fine roots. Fine-root chemistry was only partly related to soil chemistry. Declining trees had a lower foliar K content and a lower P and Ca content in fine roots than healthy ones. The results do not support the hypothesis that sugar maple decline and its disturbed nutrient status is associated with lower colonization by endomycorrhizal fungi in fine roots. They suggest, however, that soil chemical properties, particularly the soil composition in cations, regulates fine-root colonization by endomycorrhizal fungi and sugar maple nutrition and health. These results can neither confirm nor invalidate the hypothesis according to which a deleterious microbial population may have colonized the soil under declining trees. Key words: Acer saccharum, soil cation saturation, forest decline, nutrient status, fine root, endomycorrhizae.

Fine root biomass in two black spruce stands in interior Alaska: effects of different permafrost conditions

Trees ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 441-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyotaro Noguchi ◽  
Yojiro Matsuura ◽  
Stephen D. Sparrow ◽  
Larry D. Hinzman
Keyword(s):  
Root Biomass ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Fine Root Biomass ◽  
Interior Alaska ◽  
Spruce Stands

scholarly journals Spatial and Temporal Variation in Fine Root Biomass, Productivity and Turnover in Shorea Robusta Along the Gradient of Tree Girth Size

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachita Pandey ◽  
Surendra Singh Bargali ◽  
Kiran Bargali
Keyword(s):  
Fine Roots ◽  
Root Biomass ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Fine Root Biomass ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variation ◽  
Root Dynamics ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Fine roots (≤ 2 mm of diameter) contribute diminutive fractions of the overall tree biomass but are highly zestful and functionally remarkable component for assessing forest carbon and nutrient budgets. This study assessed how tree girth influenced fine root biomass (FRB), production (FRP) and turnover rate (FRT) in sub tropical sal forest.Four sites (S1, S2, S3, S4) were established in the bhabhar region of Nainital district, Uttarakhand, India within an elevational range of 405m and 580m. On the basis of girth size, sal trees were categorized in five girth size classes. Fine roots were sampled seasonally to a depth of 60 cm and divided into 3 layers (0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm).FRB was significantly affected by tree girth size (p< 0.05) while FRP and FRT showed insignificant effect. FRB was higher in lower girth classes (A-C) as compared to higher girth classes (D-E).Seasonal variation of FRB in all girth sizes showed a keen resemblance as the standing FRB reached pinnacle during rainy season and reached bottom-line in the winter season. Maximum FRB was reported for uppermost organo-mineralic soil depth (0-20 cm) at 1 m distance from tree bole and decreased with increasing soil depth and distance from tree bole while FRT showed a reverse trend. The present study will provide a holistic outlook on variations in FRB, FRP and FRT and the impact of edaphic characteristics and tree girth on fine root dynamics with respect to the studied forest stands.

scholarly journals RAINFALL REGIME ON FINE ROOT GROWTH IN A SEASONALLY DRY TROPICAL FOREST

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 458-469
Author(s):  
EUNICE MAIA DE ANDRADE ◽  
GILBERTO QUEVEDO ROSA ◽  
ALDENIA MENDES MASCENA DE ALMEIDA ◽  
ANTONIO GIVANILSON RODRIGUES DA SILVA ◽  
MARIA GINA TORRES SENA
Keyword(s):  
Root Growth ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Fine Roots ◽  
Root Biomass ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Fine Root Biomass ◽  
Rainfall Regime ◽  
Seasonally Dry ◽  
Fine Root Length ◽  
Fine Root Growth

ABSTRACT Seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTF) usually present dry seasons of eight or more months. Considering the concerns about the resilience of SDTF to climate changes, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the rainfall regime on fine root growth in a SDTF. The experiment started at the end of the wet season (July 2015), when fine roots were evaluated and ingrowth cores were implemented. The temporal growth of fine roots in the 0-30 cm soil layer was monitored, considering the 0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm sublayers, through six samplings from November 2015 to July 2017. The characteristics evaluated were fine root biomass, fine root length, fine root specific length, and fine root mean diameter. The significances of the root growths over time and space were tested by the Kruskal-Wallis test (p<0.05). Fine roots (Ø<2 mm) were separated and dried in an oven (65 °C) until constant weight. The root length was determined using the Giaroots software. The fine root biomass in July 2015 was 7.7±5.0 Mg ha-1 and the length was 5.0±3.2 km m-2. Fine root growth in SDTF is strongly limited by dry periods, occurring decreases in biomass and length of fine roots in all layers evaluated. Fine root growth occurs predominantly in rainy seasons, with fast response of the root system to rainfall events, mainly in root length.

scholarly journals An improved method for quantifying total fine root decomposition in plantation forests combining measurements of soil coring and minirhizotrons with a mass balance model

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (10) ◽  
pp. 1466-1473
Author(s):  
Xuefeng Li ◽  
Kevan J Minick ◽  
Tonghua Li ◽  
James C Williamson ◽  
Michael Gavazzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fine Roots ◽  
Root Biomass ◽  
Turnover Rate ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Fine Root Biomass ◽  
Balance Model ◽  
Root Decomposition ◽  
Mass Balance Model ◽  
Monthly Total ◽  
Fine Root Decomposition

Abstract Accurate measurement of total fine root decomposition (the amount of dead fine roots decomposed per unit soil volume) is essential for constructing a soil carbon budget. However, the ingrowth/soil core-based models are dependent on the assumptions that fine roots in litterbags/intact cores have the same relative decomposition rate as those in intact soils and that fine root growth and death rates remain constant over time, while minirhizotrons cannot quantify the total fine root decomposition. To improve the accuracy of estimates for total fine root decomposition, we propose a new method (balanced hybrid) with two models that integrate measurements of soil coring and minirhizotrons into a mass balance model. Model input parameters were fine root biomass, necromass and turnover rate for Model 1, and fine root biomass, necromass and death rate for Model 2. We tested the balanced hybrid method in a loblolly pine plantation forest in coastal North Carolina, USA. The total decomposition rate of absorptive fine roots (ARs) (a combination of first- and second-order fine roots) using Models 1 and 2 was 107 ± 13 g m−2 year−1 and 129 ± 12 g m−2 year−1, respectively. Monthly total AR decomposition was highest from August to November, which corresponded with the highest monthly total ARs mortality. The ARs imaged by minirhizotrons well represent those growing in intact soils, evident by a significant and positive relationship between the standing biomass and the standing length. The total decomposition estimate in both models was sensitive to changes in fine root biomass, turnover rate and death rate but not to change in necromass. Compared with Model 2, Model 1 can avoid the technical difficulty of deciding dead time of individual fine roots but requires greater time and effort to accurately measure fine root biomass dynamics. The balanced hybrid method is an improved technique for measuring total fine root decomposition in plantation forests in which the estimates are based on empirical data from soil coring and minirhizotrons, moving beyond assumptions of traditional approaches.

scholarly journals Fine Root and Soil Nitrogen Dynamics during Stand Development Following Shifting Agriculture in Northeast India

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1236
Author(s):  
Dipendra Singha ◽  
Francis Q. Brearley ◽  
Shri Kant Tripathi
Keyword(s):  
N Mineralization ◽  
Fine Roots ◽  
Root Biomass ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Fine Root Biomass ◽  
Northeast India ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
N Dynamics ◽  
Available N ◽  
Shifting Agriculture

Nitrogen (N) dynamics during changes in land use patterns in tropical forests may profoundly affect fine root dynamics and nutrient cycling processes. Variations in fine root biomass and soil N dynamics were assessed in developing stands of increasing ages following shifting agriculture in Mizoram, Northeast India, and comparisons were made with a natural forest stand. Concentrations of soil available N (NH4-N and NO3-N) and the proportion of NH4-N in total available N increased with stand age. The N-mineralization rate also increased with stand age whilst the proportion of nitrification relative to ammonification declined during succession. Fine root biomass and N-mineralization increased, and available N decreased during the monsoon season while this pattern was reversed during the winter season. A greater proportion of fine roots were <0.5 mm diameter in the younger sites, and turnover of fine roots was more rapid in the developing stands compared to the natural forest. Fine root biomass was correlated positively with N-mineralization rate and soil water content. Thus, it can be concluded that the fine root growth was aided by rapid N-mineralization, and both fine root growth and N-mineralization increase as stands redevelop following shifting cultivation disturbance.

scholarly journals Dynamic Responses of Multidiameter-class Fine Roots at Different Soil Depths to Thinning Measures in a Secondary Forest in China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Pang ◽  
Jing Tian ◽  
Dexiang Wang
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Production ◽  
Dynamic Characteristics ◽  
Fine Roots ◽  
Root Biomass ◽  
Turnover Rate ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Secondary Forest ◽  
Fine Root Biomass ◽  
Dynamic Responses ◽  
Qinling Mountains

Abstract Background: Fine roots make critical contributions to carbon stocks and terrestrial productivity, and multidiameter-class fine roots exhibit functional heterogeneity. However, the dynamic characteristics of multidiameter-class fine roots at different soil depths following thinning disturbances are poorly understood. We investigated the biomass, production, mortality and turnover rate of < 0.5 mm, 0.5–1 mm and 1–2 mm fine roots at 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm and 40-60 cm soil depths under five thinning intensities (0%, 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60%) in a secondary forest in the Qinling Mountains. Results: The biomass, production and turnover rate of < 0.5 mm fine roots fluctuated with increasing thinning intensity, while 0.5-1 mm and 1-2 mm fine root biomass significantly decreased. Thinning measures had no effects on fine root necromass (except for T4) or mortality. The fine root dynamic characteristics in deeper soils were more sensitive to thinning measures. Principal component analysis results show that increased < 0.5 mm fine root biomass and production resulted from increased shrub and herb diversity and biomass and decreased soil nutrient availability, stand volume and litter biomass, whereas 0.5-1 mm and 1-2 mm fine root biomass showed the opposite trends and change mechanisms. Conclusions: Our results provide evidence of the positive effect of thinning on very fine root (< 0.5 mm) biomass and production and the negative effect on thicker fine roots (0.5-1, 1-2 mm) or all fine root (< 2 mm) biomass. From the perspective of fine root biomass and productivity, T2 (30%) is recommended for use in secondary forests of the Qinling Mountains. Moreover, our results suggest that thinning practices have varied effects on the dynamic characteristics of multidiameter-class fine roots.

scholarly journals Root biomass of Fagus sylvatica L. stands depending on the climatic conditions

2016 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 220-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorota Grygoruk
Keyword(s):  
Fagus Sylvatica ◽  
Fine Roots ◽  
Root Biomass ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Soil Layer ◽  
Fine Root Biomass ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Forest Trees ◽  
Soil Layers ◽  
Fagus Sylvatica L

Abstract Fine root biomass of forest trees is a recognised indicator of environmental changes in the conditions of global climate change. The present study was carried out in six old-growth beech forests (112-140 years) located in different climatic conditions on the range border of Fagus sylvatica L. in Poland. The root biomass was investigated by soil coring method in the upper soil layers (0-5 cm, 5-15 cm and total layer 0-15 cm). The significantly greater total root biomass was found in the beech stands, which characterised by higher average precipitation and lower average annual temperatures in the period 2000-2005. The share of roots of diameter > 5 mm increased with increasing depth of top soils. Biomass of fine roots (diameter ≤ 2 mm) decreased with increasing depth of upper soil layers. The average biomass of fine roots ranged from 175.36 to 418.16 g m-2 in the soil layer 0-15 cm. The significant differences of fine root biomass were found between studied stands in the soil layers 0-5 cm and 0-15 cm. Also, it was found significant positive correlation between fine root biomass in the soil layer 0-15 cm and precipitation during the growing season in 2006. Precipitation in the study period was connected with very high rainfall in August 2006, repeatedly exceeding the long-term monthly levels. Regional climatic conditions, in that extreme weather events in growing seasons can significantly to affect changes of fine root biomass of forest trees, consequently, changes of relationships between the growth of above- and below-ground of the old-growth forest stands.

Distribution and chemistry of fine roots in a white spruce – subalpine fir stand in British Columbia: implications for management

1978 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 265-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. Kimmins ◽  
B. C. Hawkes
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Distribution ◽  
Forest Floor ◽  
Fine Roots ◽  
Root Biomass ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Fine Root Biomass ◽  
Root Tips ◽  
Subalpine Fir ◽  
Chemical Content ◽  
The Vertical Distribution

The vertical distribution of fine-root biomass, its chemical content, and the vertical distribution of overstory root tips were measured in a mature white spruce – subalpine fir stand (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss – Abieslasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.) growing on an infertile sandy soil near Prince George, British Columbia, during July and August, 1975. The study was part of a larger project which described the biomass and chemical content of the tree and minor vegetation. The objective of the project was to provide information on nutrient losses accompanying whole-tree logging and to estimate the possible consequences of such losses for future tree production. Questions concerning the magnitude of the soil nutrient capital available to the vegetation indicated the need for information on the exploitation of the soil by the roots. This paper reports the results of an investigation of the fine roots. Living fine roots (<6.4 mm) of overstory trees and understory plants were sampled separately from 11 soil pits to an average depth of 94 cm. Overstory fine-root biomass was estimated to be about 1870 kg/ha of which 67% was in the forest floor (LFH horizon) and the Ae horizon. The average combined depth of these two horizons was only 8.3 cm, but they contained 88% of the overstory root tips sampled. The 3.3-cm-thick forest floor alone contained half of the fine-root biomass and approximately 70% of the overstory root tips. Understory fine-root biomass was estimated to be about 7880 kg/ha of which 69% was in the forest floor and the Ae horizon. The concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg generally decreased with increasing depth, while Fe and Al exhibited the opposite pattern.The marked concentration of fine-root biomass and root tips in the forest floor is interpreted as reflecting the very low nutrient status of the mineral soil on the study site. The high value of fine-root biomass for understory vegetation results from the open structure of the stand and is thought to reflect the great importance of this vegetation in nutrient cycling on the study site. The biomass data, together with root chemical concentration data, are consistent with the hypothesis that the forest floor is the major source of several of the macronutrients for the vegetation on the site.

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