scholarly journals Application of geophysical tools for tree root studies in forest ecosystems in complex soils

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulises Rodríguez-Robles ◽  
Tulio Arredondo ◽  
Elisabeth Huber-Sannwald ◽  
José Alfredo Ramos-Leal ◽  
Enrico A. Yépez
Keyword(s):  
Root Distribution ◽  
Water Movement ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Volcanic Complex ◽  
Rock Fractures ◽  
Coarse Roots ◽  
Rock Outcrops ◽  
Soil Matrix ◽  
Root Ecology ◽  
Shallow Soils

Abstract. While semiarid forests frequently colonize rocky substrates, knowledge is scarce on how roots garner resources in these extreme habitats. The Sierra San Miguelito Volcanic Complex in Central Mexico exhibits shallow soils and impermeable rhyolitic-rock outcrops, which impede water movement and root placement beyond the soil matrix. However, rock fractures, exfoliations, and soil pockets potentially permit downward percolation and root growth. With ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), two geophysical methods advocated by Jayawickreme et al. (2014) to advance root ecology, we studied root and water distribution in shallow-rocky-soils and rock fractures in a semiarid forest. We calibrated geophysical images with in-situ root measurements, and then extrapolated root distribution over larger areas. With GPR, we identified fine and coarse pine and oak roots with 6 to 75 mm diameters at differential depths in soil and fractures; besides, trees anchored their trunks with coarse roots underneath rock outcroppings. With ETR, we tracked monthly changes in humidity at the soil/bedrock interface, which clearly explained spatial root distribution of both tree species. Geophysical methods have enormous potential in elucidating root ecology. More interdisciplinary research could advance our understanding in belowground ecological niche functions and their role in forest ecohydrology and productivity.

scholarly journals Technical note: Application of geophysical tools for tree root studies in forest ecosystems in complex soils

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (23) ◽  
pp. 5343-5357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulises Rodríguez-Robles ◽  
Tulio Arredondo ◽  
Elisabeth Huber-Sannwald ◽  
José Alfredo Ramos-Leal ◽  
Enrico A. Yépez
Keyword(s):  
Root Distribution ◽  
Method Development ◽  
Water Movement ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Volcanic Complex ◽  
Rock Fractures ◽  
Rock Outcrops ◽  
Soil Matrix ◽  
Root Ecology ◽  
Shallow Soils

Abstract. While semiarid forests frequently colonize rocky substrates, knowledge is scarce on how roots garner resources in these extreme habitats. The Sierra San Miguelito Volcanic Complex in central Mexico exhibits shallow soils and impermeable rhyolitic-rock outcrops, which impede water movement and root placement beyond the soil matrix. However, rock fractures, exfoliated rocks and soil pockets potentially permit downward water percolation and root growth. With ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), two geophysical methods advocated by Jayawickreme et al. (2014) to advance root ecology, we advanced in the method development studying root and water distribution in shallow rocky soils and rock fractures in a semiarid forest. We calibrated geophysical images with in situ root measurements, and then extrapolated root distribution over larger areas. Using GPR shielded antennas, we identified both fine and coarse pine and oak roots from 0.6 to 7.5 cm diameter at different depths into either soil or rock fractures. We also detected, trees anchoring their trunks using coarse roots underneath rock outcroppings. With ERT, we tracked monthly changes in humidity at the soil–bedrock interface, which clearly explained spatial root distribution of both tree species. Geophysical methods have enormous potential in elucidating root ecology. More interdisciplinary research could advance our understanding in belowground ecological niche functions and their role in forest ecohydrology and productivity.

Dual permeability soil water dynamics and water uptake by roots in irrigated potato fields

Biologia ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 62 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
František Doležal ◽  
David Zumr ◽  
Josef Vacek ◽  
Josef Zavadil ◽  
Adriano Battilani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Water Movement ◽  
Root Zone ◽  
Water Pressure ◽  
Boundary Curve ◽  
Water Dynamics ◽  
Permeability Model ◽  
Soil Matrix

AbstractWater movement and uptake by roots in a drip-irrigated potato field was studied by combining field experiments, outputs of numerical simulations and summary results of an EU project (www.fertorganic.org). Detailed measurements of soil suction and weather conditions in the Bohemo-Moravian highland made it possible to derive improved estimates of some parameters for the dual permeability model S1D_DUAL. A reasonably good agreement between the measured and the estimated soil hydraulic properties was obtained. The measured root zone depths were near to those obtained by inverse simulation with S1D _DUAL and to a boundary curve approximation. The measured and S1D _DUAL-simulated soil water pressure heads were comparable with those achieved by simulations with the Daisy model. During dry spells, the measured pressure heads tended to be higher than the simulated ones. In general, the former oscillated between the simulated values for soil matrix and those for the preferential flow (PF) domain. Irrigation facilitated deep seepage after rain events. We conclude that several parallel soil moisture sensors are needed for adequate irrigation control. The sensors cannot detect the time when the irrigation should be stopped.

Belowground to aboveground biomass ratio and vertical root distribution responses of mature Pinus radiata stands to phosphorus fertilization at planting

2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (9) ◽  
pp. 1883-1894 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayalsew Zerihun ◽  
Kelvin D Montagu
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Radiata ◽  
Aboveground Biomass ◽  
Root Distribution ◽  
Root Biomass ◽  
Phosphorus Fertilization ◽  
P Fertilization ◽  
Coarse Roots ◽  
Vertical Root Distribution ◽  
Allometric Relations ◽  
P Supply

We compared the belowground biomass (BGB)/aboveground biomass (AGB) ratio and the vertical root distribution of 40-year-old Pinus radiata D. Don fertilized with 0 or 90 kg P·ha–1 at planting. Root biomass was determined by a combination of coring (fine roots, ϕ < 2 mm; small roots, 2 ≤ ϕ < 15 mm) and excavation (coarse roots, ϕ ≥ 5 mm). Stand-level AGB and coarse root biomass (CRB) were estimated with the use of allometric relations. After 40 years, AGB and CRB of P-fertilized trees were 4.5 times those of unfertilized trees, indicating that CRB scaled isometrically with AGB independently of P supply. By contrast, P fertilization increased the fine and small root biomass (FSRB) pool by only 50%. As a result, the scaling of FSRB to AGB was dependent on P supply. The differential response of the FSRB to P fertilization caused the overall BGB/AGB ratio to decrease from 0.29 in control plots to 0.20 in P-fertilized plots. Phosphorus fertilization also altered the vertical distribution of fine root biomass (FRB). For example, the proportion of FRB in the top 15 cm increased from 41% to 52% with P fertilization. Collectively, the results showed that P added early in the growth phase had a persistent effect on the BGB/AGB ratio in P. radiata. This was primarily brought about by altered biomass partitioning to the nutrient-acquiring FSRB pool.

Joint modeling of seismic, magnetic and gravimetric data unravels the extent of the Late Cretaceous Magmatic Province on the Estremadura Spur offshore West Iberia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paloma Simões ◽  
Marta Neres ◽  
Pedro Terrinha
Keyword(s):  
Upper Cretaceous ◽  
Heat Dissipation ◽  
Compressive Strain ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Joint Modeling ◽  
Upper Jurassic ◽  
Alkaline Magmatism ◽  
Volcanic Complex ◽  
Seismic Profiles ◽  
Seismic Reflection Profiles

&lt;p&gt;This work consists on the interpretation of multichannel seismic profiles complemented and supported by gravimetric and magnetic forward modeling, on the region surrounding the underwater volcano Fontanelas (Estremadura Spur, west of Lisbon).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Fontanelas seamount (FSM) is a volcanic cone about 3000 m high from its top to its submerged base that coincides with a strong magnetic anomaly (~350 nT). From dredged samples it is known that it is consists of altered pillow-lavas of ultrabasic and basic alkaline composition (foidites and alkaline basalts) (Miranda et al., 2010). It has been associated with onshore Upper Cretaceous alkaline magmatic events due to its enrichment in incompatible elements and similar isotopic elementary signatures (Miranda et al., 2009 and 2010). The FSM is located halfway between the onshore Sintra intrusive complex and the Tore seamount, between which a 300 km long tectono-magmatic lineament of intrusive/extrusive alkaline bodies of Upper Cretaceous age has been proposed, based on the existence of several other magnetic anomalies (Neres et al., 2014).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Magnetic and gravimetric modeling allowed to constrain the location, depth, extension and geometry of the magmatic bodies in the seismic reflection profiles that were used to map and dating the magmatic bodies and tectonic events.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The joint modeling of these three geophysical methods (seismic, magnetic and gravimetric) allowed for the production of an integrated tectono-magmatic-sedimentary model of the Estremadura Spur. The existence of a complex volcanic and subvolcanic system in the Estremadura Spur was confirmed, including several intrusive bodies, besides the Fontanelas volcano: sills, secondary volcanic cones, large laccolith-type intrusions in the Upper Jurassic. Some extensional rift faults were used as magma conduits for sills plugs and volcanoes. &amp;#160;Magmatic bodies localized compressive strain during the tectonic inversion of the Lusitanian basin during the Alpine compression.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The age of the magmatic bodies is constrained by seismic stratigraphy as prior to the Campanian (83.9 Ma), which allows to associate them with the onshore Upper Cretaceous alkaline magmatic event (Sintra, Sines, Monchique, Lisbon Volcanic Complex, minor intrusive bodies), also correlative of the alkaline magmatism existing offshore along the Madeira-Tore Rise (Merle et al., 2018).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This work will be the basis of future studies regarding the heat dissipation from the intrusion of the magmatic bodies over time in order to estimate the temperatures that surrounding rocks have reached.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Support by Landmark Graphics Corporation, Oasis Montaj (Geosoft), FCT (project UID/GEO/50019/2019- Instituto Dom Luiz) and DGEG is acknowledged.&amp;#160;&amp;#160;&amp;#160;&amp;#160;&amp;#160;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Merle, R., et al. (2018). Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 65(5), 591-605. https://doi.org/10.1080/08120099.2018.1471005&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Miranda R., et al. (2009). Cretaceous Research, 30, Elsevier, 575-586. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2008.11.002.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Miranda, R., et al. (2010). In X Congresso de Geoqu&amp;#237;mica dos Pa&amp;#237;ses de L&amp;#237;ngua Portuguesa e XVI Semana de Geoqu&amp;#237;mica, 28 de Mar&amp;#231;o a 1 de Abril de 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.9/1246&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Neres, M., et al. (2014). Geophysical Journal International, 199(1), 78-101. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggu250&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Pereira, R., et al. (2016). Journal of the Geological Society, 174(3), 522-540. https://doi.org/10.1144/jgs2016-050&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals The impact of broadleaved woodland on water resources in lowland UK: III. The results from Black Wood and Bridgets Farm compared with those from other woodland and grassland sites

2005 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 614-620 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Roberts ◽  
P. Rosier
Keyword(s):  
Water Resources ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Water Movement ◽  
Beech Wood ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Water Abstraction ◽  
Small Areas ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Shallow Soils ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. In the United Kingdom the planting of broadleaved woodland has led to concerns about the impact on water resources. Comparative studies, typically using soil water measurements, have been established to compare water use of broadleaved woodland and grassland. The diversity of outcomes from these studies makes it difficult to make any consistent prediction of the hydrological impact of afforestation. Most studies have shown greater drying of soils under broadleaved woodland than under grass. However, two studies in a beech wood growing on shallow soils above chalk at Black Wood, Micheldever, Hampshire showed little overall difference between broadleaved woodland and grass, either in soil water abstraction or in evaporation. Two factors are thought to contribute to the different results from Black Wood. It is known that evaporation can be considerably enhanced at the edges of woodlands or in small areas of woodlands. The studies at Black Wood were made well within a large area of fairly uniform woodland. Other studies in which a difference occurred in soil drying between broadleaved woodland and grass used measurements made in small areas of woodlands or at woodland edges. Another important difference between comparison of woodland at Black Wood and grassland growing nearby, also on shallow soils above Chalk, compared to other broadleaved woodland/grass comparisons, growing on other geologies, is the influence of the Chalk. Although vegetation such as grass (and woodland) does not populate the chalk profusely with roots, water can be removed from the Chalk by the roots which proliferate at the soil/chalk interface and which can generate upward water movement within the Chalk. Published work showed that only in a very dry summer did the evaporation from grass growing on shallow soils above chalk fall below potential. In broadleaved woodland/grass comparisons on non-chalky soils it is possible that moisture deficits in the soil below the grass may reach critical levels and reduce evaporation below that of the woodland with which it is being compared.

Survival strategies of the root tuberous geophyte Chamaescilla corymbosa in a Mediterranean-climate rock-outcrop environment

2015 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael W. Shane ◽  
John S. Pate
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Survival Strategies ◽  
Mineral Nutrient ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Rock Outcrops ◽  
Granite Outcrops ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Testing Environments ◽  
Shallow Soils

This field-based study aimed to identify adaptive traits that operate interactively and sequentially towards survival and growth of the perennial geophyte Chamaescilla corymbosa when inhabiting shallow soils on exposed granite outcrops in south-western Australia. During an annual cycle of growth and dormancy, we measured changes in biomass partitioning, mineral nutrient concentrations in root tubers, leaves, roots and seed. Anatomical and histochemical analyses of fleshy-root tubers included identification and quantification of key carbohydrate and free amino acid reserves. During the course of the growing season, developing root tubers accumulated fructans, raffinose and sucrose to maximal concentration at the onset of summer dormancy. Water content of root tubers was similar in summer or winter (79% or 84%, respectively). Accumulation of carbohydrates and development of a lignified and suberised hypodermis are likely to protect aestivating root tubers from desiccation during hot, dry summer. Assimilates and mineral resources acquired in the winter growing season were shown to be preferentially allocated for new tuber production, as opposed to sexual reproduction. Accumulation of key nitrogenous solutes and phosphorus in root tubers before dormancy suggested an adaptive response of the species to soils with inherently low concentrations of available nutrients. Experiments on field-grown populations showed the species to be responsive to delayed commencement of seasonal growth by reducing size and number of root tubers; however, plants still survived until the next growing season. Results are discussed against previous studies of other geophytes on rock outcrops and other similarly testing environments.

scholarly journals Influence of Root Distribution on Preferential Flow in Deciduous and Coniferous Forest Soils

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 986 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ziteng Luo ◽  
Jianzhi Niu ◽  
Baoyuan Xie ◽  
Linus Zhang ◽  
Xiongwen Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Soil ◽  
Forest Soils ◽  
Root Distribution ◽  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Coniferous Forest ◽  
Soil Layer ◽  
Extreme Rainfall ◽  
Coarse Roots ◽  
Rainfall Events

Root-induced channels are the primary controlling factors for rapid movement of water and solute in forest soils. To explore the effects of root distribution on preferential flow during rainfall events, deciduous (Quercus variabilis BI.) and coniferous forest (Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco) sites were selected to conduct dual-tracer experiments (Brilliant Blue FCF and Bromide [Br−]). Each plot (1.30 × 1.30 m) was divided into two subplots (0.65 × 1.30 m), and two rainfall simulations (40 mm, large rainfall and 70 mm, extreme rainfall) were conducted in these. Vertical soil profiles (1.00 m × 0.40 m) were excavated, and preferential flow path features were quantified based on digital image analysis. Root (fine and coarse) abundance and Br− concentration were investigated for each soil profile. In deciduous forest, accumulated roots in the upper soil layer induce larger lateral preferential flow as compared to the coniferous forest soil during large rainfall events. Compared with deciduous forest, coniferous forest soil, with higher (horizontal and vertical) spatial variability of preferential flow paths, promotes higher percolation and solute leaching to deeper soil layers during extreme rainfall events. Fine roots, accounting for a larger proportion of total roots (compared to coarse roots), facilitate preferential flow in the 0–40 cm forest soil layer. Overall, our results indicate that the root distribution pattern of different tree species can exert diverse effects on preferential flow in forest soils.

scholarly journals Investigation of Geological Anomalies at Pile Foundation Location in Urban Karst Areas Using Single Borehole Radar

Geosciences ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 232
Author(s):  
Liu Liu ◽  
Zhenming Shi ◽  
Ming Peng ◽  
Georgios P. Tsoflias
Keyword(s):  
Signal Analysis ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Karst Area ◽  
Complex Signal ◽  
Rock Fractures ◽  
Detection Range ◽  
Karst Areas ◽  
Borehole Radar

Karst geological anomalies at pile locations significantly affect the bearing capacity and construction safety of the piles, posing a significant challenge for urbanization. Borehole geophysical methods are required to extend the detection range and identify karst voids that are at pole locations and near drilled boreholes. In this paper, we developed a near offset and small diameter single borehole ground penetration radar (GPR) prototype. A signal processing method combining complex signal analysis by Hilbert transform (HT) and medium filtering was suggested to differentiate the weak backscattered wave from borehole background noise. A controlled horizontal borehole experiment was used to demonstrate the applicability of the prototype and the advantages of the signal analysis method prior to application in a real project. The controlled test presented three typical wave events corresponding to a soil–rock interface, rock fractures, and karst voids. Field tests were conducted at a freeway bridge extension project in an urban karst area. Multiple karst voids, sinkholes, rock fractures, and integrated bedrock were identified by analysis of four typical detection scenarios. The remediation of the karst voids and a rotary bored piling with real-time steel casing construction strategy were designed based on the investigation results. The construction feedback demonstrates that single borehole radar detection is effective for the investigation of anomalies at pile locations in urban karst areas.

Theoretical Model of Moisture Migration in Frost Soil Material

2014 ◽  
Vol 852 ◽  
pp. 840-844
Author(s):  
Long Zheng ◽  
Yang Shen
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Solutions ◽  
Water Movement ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Soil Matrix ◽  
Moisture Migration ◽  
Soil Material ◽  
Frost Action ◽  
Geometry Model ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Good Agreement

Frost action leads to water movement toward frozen parts in soil matrix, and thus causes freeze heave and thaw weakening issues in many engineering works. This study was conducted as an attempt to investigate the analytical solutions to the water movement and distribution taken place in soil which was subjected to frost action. A geometry model was established by dividing the soil matrix into two individual parts in terms of the freezing progress each part takes. Model analytical solutions were sought with regard to the water movement over time that frost action takes. The analytical solutions were compared with the test results in a preceding investigation. It is indicated that the analytical solutions derived from the model is in good agreement with the test results and is reliable to predict the water movement in soil driven by frost action.

scholarly journals Coarse root distribution of Vatica pauciflora (Korth.) Blume in different soil slopes as revealed by root detector

2021 ◽  
Vol 918 (1) ◽  
pp. 012046
Author(s):  
M M Rahman ◽  
U Adzkia ◽  
A N Rachmadiyanto ◽  
F G Dwiyanti ◽  
D Nandika ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Root Distribution ◽  
Main Tool ◽  
Acoustic Method ◽  
Botanical Garden ◽  
Distribution Analysis ◽  
Tree Roots ◽  
Coarse Roots ◽  
Tree Stability ◽  
Coarse Root ◽  
Soil Slopes

Abstract Tree roots have an essential role in absorbing water and nutrients from the soil and supporting tree stability. As an anchor for the tree, the environment can significantly affect root structure but it is rarely investigated due to below ground distribution. The study was aimed to determine the distribution of coarse roots of Vatica trees (Vatica pauciflora) which grows in different soil slopes. Six mature Vatica trees at Bogor Botanical Garden were selected in this study. Root detector as the main tool based on acoustic method was used to evaluate the root distribution. Analysis photogrammetry was carried out to complement the root detector results. The results found that the root detector only can evaluate the radial distribution of coarse root, while root distribution on downward soil cannot be detected. The condition of the site with different slope categories (e.g., flat to steep) affected root distribution patterns. A study on root distribution was useful to assist the evaluation of tree stability and to support arboriculture study.

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