Root dynamics of southern Ohio oak-hickory forests: influences of prescribed fire and landscape position

2001 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 644-653 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J Dress ◽  
Ralph EJ Boerner
Keyword(s):  
Soil Temperature ◽  
Root Biomass ◽  
Biomass Accumulation ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Sampling Interval ◽  
Fine Root Biomass ◽  
Landscape Position ◽  
Root Production ◽  
Root Dynamics ◽  
Ingrowth Cores

This study compares standing root biomass from sequential root cores and new root production in ingrowth cores in three watersheds: an unburned control watershed, a watershed burned once in 1996, and a watershed burned for three consecutive years (1996–1998). Based on root cores collected on six sampling dates from April through November 1998, maximum standing live root biomass occurred approximately 1 month earlier in the growing season in the site burned three times, presumably because of increased soil temperature after the fires. Standing live fine root biomass was significantly lower in the site burned three times in three of the six sampling dates (April, June, and November) and when averaged over the whole growing season. Most of this effect was due to lesser root biomass in the most mesic landscape position. New root production was measured during three ingrowth core intervals: April to August 1998, August to November 1998, and August 1998 to November 1999. Net production was significantly greater in sample plots in xeric landscape positions during each sampling interval. Overall, differences in standing root biomass were inversely correlated with fire-induced changes in N mineralization and increased soil temperature after burning shifted the phenology of root biomass accumulation earlier in the growing season.

Analysis of some sources of error in methods used to determine fine root production in forest ecosystems: a simulation approach

1987 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 909-912 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. A. Kurz ◽  
J. P. Kimmins
Keyword(s):  
Root Biomass ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Sampling Error ◽  
Simulated Data ◽  
Sampling Interval ◽  
Fine Root Biomass ◽  
Root Production ◽  
Seasonal Patterns ◽  
Fine Root Production ◽  
True Value

Fine root production rates are most commonly calculated from periodic measurements of live and dead fine root biomass. The accuracy of production estimates based on this method is very sensitive to violations of the inherent assumptions, particularly the assumption that the processes of fine root production and mortality are temporally separate. A simple model was used to simulate data for a variety of seasonal patterns of live and dead fine root biomass. Fine root production and mortality rates were calculated from these simulated data using two different computational methods. Comparison of the calculated rates with the known rates (the rates used to generate the seasonal patterns) revealed that violations of the above assumptions can result in inaccurate rate estimates. When fine root production and mortality occur simultaneously within a sampling interval, the calculated production rate will greatly underestimate the true value. Additional error in the rate estimates may result from sampling error associated with the fine root biomass data. The model suggested that sampling error can cause either overestimation or underestimation of fine root production.

Influence of Pruning and Irrigation on Root Longevity of `Concord' Vines

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 511a-511
Author(s):  
L.H. Comas ◽  
D.M. Eissenstat ◽  
A.N. Lakso ◽  
R. Dunst
Keyword(s):  
Fine Roots ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Root Production ◽  
Root Dynamics ◽  
Supplemental Irrigation ◽  
Root Longevity ◽  
Root Lifespan ◽  
Median Lifespan

Improved cultural practices in grape require a better understanding of root growth and physiology. Seasonal root dynamics were examined in mature `Concord' vines with balanced or minimal-pruning, and with or without supplemental irrigation in Fredonia, N.Y. Fine roots were continuously produced during the growing season starting in mid-June around time of bloom. Roots began to die in September at verasion. Minimal-pruned vines produced more roots than balanced-pruned vines, with the minimal-pruned/unirrigated vines producing the most roots. Irrigation and pruning delayed fine root production at the beginning of the growing season. Peak fine root flush was 16 June to 21 July 1997 for the minimal-pruned/unirrigated treatment, while peak flush was 7 July to 2 Sept. 1997 for balanced-pruned/irrigated treatment. In minimal-pruned vines, many roots were observed down to depths of 120 cm. In contrast, balanced-pruned vines had very few fine roots deeper than 40 cm. From initial observations, median lifespan of fine roots was 5 to 9.5 weeks, depending on treatment and depth in soil. Fine roots lived longer in the top 15-cm than in the 16- to 30-cm layer of soil in all treatments. Both minimal pruning and irrigation increased root lifespan. Fine roots had the shortest lifespan in the balanced-pruned/unirrigated treatment and the longest lifespan in the minimal-pruned/irrigated treatment.

Effects of harvesting on fine root biomass and decomposition in an Engelmann spruce – subalpine fir forest

2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 847-853 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvia E Welke ◽  
Graeme D Hope ◽  
Gary A Hunt
Keyword(s):  
Root Biomass ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Timber Harvesting ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Fine Root Biomass ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Root Dynamics ◽  
Subalpine Fir ◽  
Root Longevity ◽  
Engelmann Spruce

The effect of timber harvesting on the biomass, nutrient standing crop, and decomposition of fine roots (<2 mm) was studied in a high elevation, Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm.) – subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.) forest. Root dynamics were compared in openings of different sizes. The sequential core method was used to collect fine root samples over 4 years. Differences in fine root biomass between opening sizes were most significant for the active fine root portion and were most pronounced in the fall compared with the spring. Active fine root biomass was significantly lower in the 10-ha clearcuts (164 kg/ha) compared with control plots (275 kg/ha). Furthermore, active fine root biomass was often lower in the 1.0-ha opening than in the 0.1-ha and control plots. A similar trend was established for inactive fine root biomass, although this was not consistent over sampling years. Nutrient concentrations of K, but no other elements, were higher in control plots. Nutrient standing crops, however, followed trends observed in fine root biomass. In the 10-ha clearcuts, the largest changes in fine root biomass occurred at the edge of the opening. The findings suggest that small (<10 ha) cutblocks may maintain greater fine root longevity.

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.

Fine root growth dynamics in teak (Tectonagrandis Linn. F.)

1986 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 1360-1364 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. K. Srivastava ◽  
K. P. Singh ◽  
R. S. Upadhyay
Keyword(s):  
Root Growth ◽  
Root Biomass ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Growth Dynamics ◽  
Temporal Variations ◽  
Fine Root Biomass ◽  
Tropical Region ◽  
Root Bark ◽  
Root Mass ◽  
Root Dynamics

Temporal variations in the spatial distribution of fine root mass were studied in a 19-year-old teak plantation in a dry tropical region. The soil block method was used to investigate fine root dynamics. Quantification of fine root mass was achieved in terms of live teak roots (separated by diameter), dead teak roots, teak root bark, herb roots, and fragmented soil organic matter. The annual mean fine root biomass was 5420 kg•ha−1 and the net production was 5460 kg•ha−1•year−1. The bulk of the root mass was distributed at a depth of 10–30 cm and roots ≤2 mm constituted one-half or more of the total root biomass. Maximum live root growth occurred during the rainy season. All root sizes showed similar bimodal seasonal patterns, but the maximum:minimum ratio generally declined with greater root size.

A comparison of methods for estimating forest fine root production with respect to sources of error

1993 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1179-1186 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Publicover ◽  
Kristiina A. Vogt
Keyword(s):  
Root Biomass ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Fine Root Biomass ◽  
Decay Rates ◽  
Root Production ◽  
Accurate Estimation ◽  
Fine Root Production ◽  
Flow Method ◽  
Sources Of Error ◽  
Processing Errors

A simulation model approach was used to assess the performance of several methods for calculating fine root production under various conditions that could lead to errors in production estimates. The models included two methods that utilize periodic data on live only or live and dead fine root biomass, plus one method (the compartment-flow model) that also incorporates root decomposition rates. Potential sources of error included long sampling intervals, random sampling error, use of an incorrect decay constant, and sample processing errors (undermeasurement of fine root biomass and inaccuracy in identifying live and dead roots). The compartment-flow method was the most accurate and overcomes the problems of underestimation of production to which the biomass-only methods are subject. The sensitivity of the method to processing errors varies according to the method used to determine decay rates. The measurement of true decay rates is the biggest obstacle to accurate estimation of fine root production when using the compartment-flow method.

scholarly journals Wheat root dynamics as affected by landscape position

2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (3) ◽  
pp. 523-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
R M.A. Block ◽  
K C.J. Van Rees
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Soil Water Content ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Landscape Position ◽  
Root Production ◽  
Root Dynamics ◽  
Deep Soil ◽  
Wheat Roots ◽  
Shoulder Position

The effects of landscape position on root production and mortality were assessed in a 90-cm-deep soil profile at a shoulder and footslope landscape position seeded to spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Root length was measured over eight sampling dates using a minirhizotron system, and soil water content and temperature were recorded at various depths at each landscape position. The shoulder position was drier than the footslope position in the upper 30 cm due to a greater frequency and duration of soil temperatures > 20°C, and at depth (> 75 cm). Mean root length was greatest at the footslope position and was concentrated in the upper 20 cm of the profile, while the shoulder position had the greatest root length at the 40- to 60-cm depth. Mean daily root production peaked at 5.0 to 6.0 m m-2 d-1 at the 43rd day after planting (DAP) for both landscape positions, which corresponded to the time of booting. Daily rates for root mortality ranged from 0.5 to 2.5 m m-2 d-1. Soil water content and daily root production at the 10-cm depth were positively correlated at both landscape positions. Information on landscape position differences in root productivity and mortality could help to improve placement of inorganic fertilizers, and estimation of below-ground carbon sequestration. Key words: Wheat, roots, minirhizotron, landscape position

Fine-root biomass and nutrient cycling in Aristida stricta in a North Carolina coastal plain savanna

1984 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 823-829 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn A. Saterson ◽  
Peter M. Vitousek
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Coastal Plain ◽  
Root Biomass ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Fine Root Biomass ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Root Production ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Different Tissues ◽  
Slow Turnover

Seasonal changes in total fine-root biomass and the allocations of nitrogen and phosphorus to roots, root crowns, and leaves of Aristida stricta were measured on a North Carolina coastal plain savanna. Total fine-root biomass was determined from sequential root cores taken over 12 months. Total root biomass decreased from spring to late fall and then increased in winter. Root production and turnover estimates indicate that this low-fertility savanna has a relatively large root biomass and slow turnover. The pattern of allocation of biomass, nitrogen, and phosphorus to different tissues of Aristida stricta indicates that throughout the year the greatest percentage of biomass and nutrients is in roots.

scholarly journals Combined effects of altered N:P stoichometry and trees on Mediterranean savanna root dynamics

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Nair ◽  
Martin Hertel ◽  
Yunpeng Luo ◽  
Gerardo Moreno ◽  
Markus Reichstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Root Biomass ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Root Length Density ◽  
Root Traits ◽  
Tree Canopy ◽  
Root Dynamics ◽  
Ingrowth Cores ◽  
Normalised Difference Vegetation Index

Abstract. Mediterranean grasslands are highly seasonal and co-limited by water and nutrients. In such systems little is known about root dynamics which may depend on plant habit and environment as well seasonal water shortages and site fertility. This latter factor is affected by the presence of scattered trees and site management including grazing, as well as chronic nitrogen deposition, which may lead to N:P imbalance. In this study we combined observations from minirhizotrons collected in a Mediterranean tree-grass ecosystem (Spanish Dehesa), with root measurements from direct soil cores and ingrowth cores, and above-ground biomass to investigate seasonal root dynamics and root:shoot ratios. We investigated responses to soil fertility, using a nutrient manipulation (N / NP additions) and microhabitats effects between open pasture and under tree canopy locations. Root dynamics over time were compared with indices of above-ground growth drawn from proximal remote sensing (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index and Green Chromatic Coordinate derived from near-infrared enabled digital repeat photography). Results show distinct differences in root dynamics and biomass between treatments and microhabitats. Root biomass was higher with N additions, but not with NP additions in early spring, but by the end of the growing season root biomass had increased with NP in open pastures but not higher than N alone. In contrast, root length density (RLD) in pastures responded stronger to the NP than N only treatment, while beneath trees RLD tended to be higher with only N. Even though root biomass increased, root:shoot ratio decreased under nutrient treatments.We interpret these differences as a shift in community structure and/or root traits under changing stoichiometry and altered nutrient limitations. The timing of maximum root cover, as assessed by the minirhizotrons, did not match with above-ground phenology indicators at the site as root growth was low during autumn despite the greening up of the ecosystem. In other periods, roots responded quickly to rain events on the scale of days, matching changes in above-ground indices. Our results highlight the need for high resolution sampling to increase understanding of root dynamics in such systems, linkage with shifts in community structure and traits, and targeting of appropriate periods of the year for in-depth campaigns.

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.

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