水曲柳人工林细根季节动态及其影响因素

2002年5-10月,采用连续钻取土芯法对帽儿山实验林场的水曲柳人工林细根(直径＜1 mm)生物量、比根长(SRL)和根长密度(RLD)的季节动态,以及它们与土壤N的有效性、土壤10 cm深处月均温度和含水量的关系进行研究.结果表明:水曲柳细根生物量在春季和秋季分别具有1个明显的高峰,但比根长和根长密度只有1个高峰.在春季和夏季,比根长和根长密度较高,显示细根直径较小,而秋季,这2个参数显著下降,表明细根直径次生增厚或组织密度增加.细根的季节变化与土壤N的有效性、土壤温度和土壤含水量有重要关系.其中细根生物量与土壤铵态氮含量显著相关;硝态氮含量、10 cm深处土壤的温度和土壤含水量与细根的生物量、比根长和根长密度的季节变化正相关,但均不显著(P＞0.05).4种因子的综合作用对水曲柳细根各参数的影响均达到了显著水平.不同季节细根生物量、比根长和根长密度的变化,显示出细根在生长季不同时期具有不同的生理生态功能.     

Variations of fine root diameter with root order in Manchurian ash and Dahurian larch plantations

Fine root lifespan and turnover play an important role in carbon allocation and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. Fine roots are typically defined as less than 1 or 2 mm in diameter. However, when categorizing roots by this diameter size, the position of an individual root on the complex lateral branching pattern has often been ignored, and our knowledge about relationships between branching order and root function thus remains limited. More recently, studies on root survivals found that longevity was remarkably different in the same branching level due to diameter variations. The objectives of this study were: (1) To examine variations of fine root diameter from the first-to fifth-orders in Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr and Larix gmelinii Rupr roots; and (2) To reveal how the season, soil nutrient, and water availability affect root diameter in different branch order in two species. This study was conducted at Maoershan Forest Research Station (45°21′–45°25′N, 127°30′–127°34′E) owned by Northeast Forestry University in Harbin, northeast China. Both F. mandshurica and L. gmelinii were planted in 1986. In each plantation, fine roots of two species by sampling up to five fine root branch orders three times during the 2003 growing season from two soil depths (i.e., 0–10 and 10–20 cm) were obtained. The results showed that average diameters of fine roots were significantly different among the five branch orders. The first-order had the thinner roots and the fifth order had the thickest roots, the diameter increasing regularly with the ascending branch orders in both species. If the diameter of fine roots was defined as being smaller than 0.5 mm, the first three orders of F. mandshurica roots and the first two orders of L. gmelinii roots would be included in the fine root population. The diameter ranges of the fine roots from first-order to fifth-order were 0.15–0.58, 0.18–0.70, 0.26–1.05, 0.36–1.43, and 0.71–2.96 mm for F. mandshurica, and 0.17–0.76, 0.23–1.02, 0.26–1.10, 0.38–1.77, and 0.84–2.80 mm for L. gmelinii. The average coefficient of variation in first-order roots was less than 10%, second-and third-order was 10–20%, and fourth-and fifth-order was 20–30%. Thus, variation in root diameter also increased with the ascending root order. These results suggest that “fine roots”, which are traditionally defined as an arbitrary diameter class (i.e., <2 mm in diameter) may be too large a size class when compared with the finest roots. The finest roots have much shorter lifespan than larger diameter roots; however, the larger roots are still considered a component of the fine root system. Differences in the lifespan between root diameter and root order affect estimates of root turnover. Therefore, based on this study, it has been concluded that both diameter and branch order should be considered in the estimation of root lifespan and turnover. __________ Translated from Acta Phytoecologica Sinica, 2005, 29(6): 871–877 [译自: 植物生态学报]     

林分密度对侧柏人工林细根形态的影响

以徐州林场50年生侧柏人工林为研究对象,采用挖掘法获取土壤根系样品,探究林分密度对侧柏人工林不同根序细根形态的影响。结果表明:细根的直径和根长随着根序上升而显著增大,而比根长则随着根序的上升而显著减小。低林分密度(1 679株/hm2)与中林分密度(2 250株/hm2)相比显著减小了表层土壤1、2级细根的平均直径和平均根长,亚表层土壤3级细根的根长,显著增大了亚表层土壤2级细根的平均比根长;高林分密度(3074株/hm2)比中林分密度显著增大了2级根的平均比根长。与高林分密度相比,低林分密度显著减小了表层土壤1、2级细根的平均直径,增大了亚表层土壤5级细根的平均直径。     

初植密度对10年生水曲柳人工林生物量及根系的影响

采用标准地调查和树干解析的方法对帽儿山实验林场10年生不同初植密度[株行距1.0m×1.0m(N),1.5m×1.5m(I1),2m×2m(I2),3m×1.5m(W)]的水曲柳人工林生物量及根系生长进行调查。结果表明:1)林木单株生物量随初植密度减小而显著增加(P<0.05)[与最大初植密度(N)相比较,中等初植密度I1,I2和最小初植密度W林分单株生物量分别增加30.3%,85.6%和146.7%],树干生物量比例随初植密度的减小而减小;2)不同初植密度水曲柳人工林林分单位面积总生物量差异显著(P<0.05),初植密度较小的I1,I2和W林分总生物量分别为N林分的84.8%,80.5%和60.5%;初植密度对林分生物量结构也产生明显的影响;3)随初植密度的减小,水曲柳人工林单株林木根系的生物量增加[I1,I2和W密度林分单株根系生物量分别比N林分高出34.3%,83.2%,139.7%(P<0.05)],总生物量逐渐减小[I1,I2和W密度林分根系总生物量分别为N密度林分的87.4%,79.4%和58.5%(P<0.05)];4)初植密度对林木根系的水平和垂直分布有显著的影响,随初植密度的减小,根的水平分...     

江南油杉细根生物量空间分布及其对土壤水分的响应

[目的]探明广西不同栽培区江南油杉细根生物量的空间分布共性及其对土壤水分的响应机制.[方法]以广西3个栽培区江南油杉人工幼林为研究对象,采用根系全株分层挖掘和根系形态结构分析法,定量分析江南油杉幼树不同径级细根生物量密度、根长密度和表面积密度的空间分布特征.[结果]1)江南油杉幼林期细根生物量在垂直方向上主要分布在0～...     

Influence of main site factors on Fraxinus mandshurica（Oleaceae） plantation

The investigation was carried out on 10-year-old plantation of Fraxinus mandshurica in Mao‘er Mountain Experimental Station of Northeast Forest University.tree height(H),diameter at breast height(D1.3) and the increment of tree height in 5 years (H5),the thickness of humus layer,as well as the soil moisture were measured for the plantation and the growth indexes(H,D1.3,H5) for different site conditions were analyzed.The results showedthat main site factors influencing the growth of Fraxinus mandshurica were soil moisture,gradient and location of siope in order.The growth of Fraxinus mandshurica was better on the middle-or up-slope site than on the down-slope site.Soil moisture and late frost caused by terrain are the main reasons that limit the growth of Fraxinus mandshurica plantation.     

Fine root dynamics of shaded cacao plantations in Costa Rica

Root turnover may contribute a significant proportion of recycled nutrients in agroforestry systems and competition between trees and crops for nutrients and water may depend on temporal fine root regrowth patterns. Fine root biomass ( 2 mm) and fine root productivity were measured during one year in plantations of cacao (Theobroma cacao) shaded by Erythrina poeppigiana or Cordia alliodora planted on a deep alluvial soil in Turrialba, Costa Rica. Fine root biomass of approximately 1.0 Mg ha^–1 varied little during the year with maximum values at the beginning of the rainy season of 1.85 Mg ha^–1 in the cacao-C. alliodora system compared to 1.20 Mg ha^–1 for cacao-E. poeppigiana. Fine root productivity of C. alliodora and E. poeppigiana (maximum of 205 and 120 kg ha^–1 4 week^–1, respectively) was greatest at the end of the rainy season, while for cacao it was greatest at the beginning of the rainy season (34–68 kg ha^–1 4 week^–1), which suggests that if nutrient competition occurs between the shade trees and the cacao, it could be minimized by early fertilization during the beginning of the rains immediately after pruning the shade trees. Annual fine root turnover was close to 1.0 in both systems. Assuming that fine root biomass in these mature plantations was constant on an annual basis, nutrient inputs from fine root turnover were estimated as 23–24 (N), 2 (P), 14–16 (K), 7–11 (Ca) and 3–10 (Mg) kg ha^–1 year^–1, representing 6–13% and 3–6% of total nutrient input in organic matter in the C. alliodora and E. poeppigiana systems, respectively.     

Spatial distribution characteristics of fine roots of Populus euphratica in a desert riparian forest

The soil-plant system is a very important subsystem of the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum (SPAC). The water uptake by plant roots is an important subject in the research on water transport in this SPAC and is also the most active study direction in the fields of ecology, hydrology and environment. The study of the spatial distribution pattern of fine roots of plants is the basis of constructing a water absorption model of plant roots. Our study on the spatial distribution pattern of fine roots of Populus euphratica in a desert riparian forest shows that the density distribution of its root lengths can be expressed horizontally as a parabola. The fine roots are concentrated within the range of 0–350 cm from the tree trunk and their amount accounts for 91.9% of the total root mass within the space of 0–500 cm. In the vertical direction, the density distribution of the fine root lengths shows a negative exponential relation with soil depth. The fine roots are concentrated in the 0–80 cm soil layer, accounting for 96.8% of the total root mass in the 0–140 cm soil layer. __________ Translated from Chinese Journal of Ecology, 2007, 26(1): 1–4 [译自: 生态学杂志]     

Fine-root dynamics of coffee in association with two shade trees in Costa Rica

Fine-root dynamics (diameter < 2.0 mm) were studied on-farm in associations of Coffea arabica with Eucalyptus deglupta or Terminalia ivorensis and in a pseudo-chronosequence of C. arabica-E. deglupta associations (two, three, four and five years old). Coffee plants were submitted to two fertilisation types. Cores were taken in the 0–40 cm soil profile two years after out-planting and subsequently in the following year in depth layers 0–10 and 10–20 cm, during and at the end of the rainy season, and during the dry season. Fine root density of coffee and timber shade trees was greater in the coffee fertilisation strip as compared to unfertilised areas close to the plants or in the inter-rows. Coffee fine roots were more evenly distributed in the topsoil (0–20 cm) whereas tree fine roots were mostly found in the first 10 cm. Although the two tree species had approximately the same fine root length density, lower coffee / tree fine root length density ratios in T. ivorensis suggest that this shade tree is potentially a stronger competitor with coffee than E. deglupta. Coffee and tree fine root length density for 0–10 cm measured during the rainy season increased progressively from two to five-year-aged associations and coffee fine root length density increased relatively more than E. deglupta fine root length density in the four and five-year-aged plantations suggesting that contrary to expectations, coffee fine roots were displacing tree fine roots.     

Endogenous inhibitors in seed ofFraxinus mandshurica Rupr and their effect on germination and regeneration

Bioassay and GC-MS determination indicated that inhibitors of seeds ofFraxinus mandshurica Rupr were distributed mainly in zones of β-inhibitors (including ABA) and of high and low R_f value. The inhibitory activity of outer seed coat of the dormant seed (control treatment) was higher than that of seeds with only the inner coat attached e.g. ABA was 114 and 54ng/g fresh weight respectively. The inhibitory effect of No. 12 zone was even higher than ABA. The inhibitory activity of all the zones decreased after stratification (St) and burying (A0) treatment, especially that of the outer seed coat, whose ABA content decreased to 7(St) and 11 (AO) ng/g(fw). However, the decrease in inhibition of root growth lagged behind the decrease in germination. It is concluded that burial is advantageous to regeneration. Inhibitors of the outer seed coat and seeds were mostly destroyed under the adverse conditions of natural dissemination (Di treatment) indicating that Di was not conducive to regeneration. MS analysis revealed that the largest peaks of No. 6, 7 and 12 zones were linolcic acid, olcic acid and 17-C, 18-C, and 20-C long chain fatty acids. Several coumarins were found in No. 6 and 7 zones, and cadinencs, farnesol and sesquiterpenes were found in No. 6 and 12 zones having common bioorigins with ABA.     

Concentrations and seasonal dynamics of dissolved organic carbon in forest floors of two plantations （Castanopsis kawakamii and Cunninghamia lanceolata） in subtropical China

The concentrations and seasonal dynamics of DOC in forest floors of monoculture plantations ofCastanopsis kawakamii and Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) were assessed in Sanming, Fujian, China (26°11′30″N, 117°26′00″E). Forest floor samples were taken in January, April, July and October in 2002 and divided into undecomposed material (horizon Oi), partially decomposed organic material (horizon Oe), and fully decomposed organic material (horizon Oa). Upon collection, DOC concentrations of samples were analyzed by a High Temperature TOC. The results showed that the annual average DOC concentration of Chinese fir (1341.7 mg·kg⁻¹) in the forest floor was higher than that ofCastanopsis kawakamii (1178.9 mg·kg⁻¹). Difference in DOC concentrations was observed among three horizons of the forest floor. DOC concentration of forest floor in the two forests was the highest in horizon Oe. Seasonal trends of DOC concentrations in different horizons of forest floors were similar and the maximal value occurred in autumn (or winter). The concentration and temporal change of DOC in studied forests were probably related to the variation in moisture, temperature, biological activity and quantity of organic matter in the forest floor. Foundation item: This study was supported by the Teaching and Research Award program for MOE P.R.C. (TRAPOYT) Biography: ZHANG Jiang-shan (1946-), male, Researcher in Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, P.R. China. Responsible editor: Zhu Hong     

A model for vertical distribution of fine roots in Robinia pseudoacacia plantations on the Loess Plateau

Based on a detailed investigation of vertical distributions of fine roots in Robinia pseudoacacia plantations at the Ansai Soil and Water Conservation Station, Shaanxi Province, a model was developed for the deep distribution of fine roots of R. pseudoacacia, which reflects the growth of fine roots affected by the mixed process of infiltration water and deep soil water. The maximum depth of the distribution h _max and the depth of the highest fine root density (FRD) h _p were determined and the maximum depth of infiltration water supplied for fine root growth h _q could also be calculated, h _q was considered as the approximate boundary between infiltration water and deep soil water in support of the growth of fine roots. According to the model, the soil water of R. pseudoacacia woodland in the profile could be classified into three layers: the first layer from the soil surface to h _p was the active water exchange layer, very much affected by precipitation; the second was the soil water attenuation layer, between h _p and h _q and largely affected by the vertical distribution of fine roots; the third was the relatively stable soil water layer below h _q, below which soil water did not change much. The percentage of infiltration water supplied for the growth of fine roots reached a level of 88.32% on the shaded slopes and 85.21% on sunny slopes. This indicated infiltration of precipitation played a crucial role in the growth of R. pseudoacacia in the gully region of the Loess Plateau. The research of interaction between the distribution of fine roots and soil water in the profile will help to explain the reasons for the complete drying out of soils and provide a theoretical basis for continuing the policy of matching tree species with sites on the Loess Plateau. Translated from Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 2006, 42(6): 40–48 [译自: 林业科学]     

Estimation of the fine root biomass in a Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) plantation using minirhizotrons

We estimated fine root biomass in a Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) plantation using a min-irhizotron technique. Since data obtained from minirhizo-trons are limited to the length and diameter of fine roots observed on minirhizotron tubes, data conversion is necessary to determine the fine root biomass per unit soil volume or unit stand area. We first examined the regression between diameter squared and weight per unit length of fine roots in soil core samples, and calculated the fine root biomass on minirhizotron tubes from their length and diameter. Then we determined conversion factors based on the ratio of the fine root biomass in soil core samples to that on minirhizotron tubes. We examined calculation methods, using a single conversion factor for total fine root biomass in the soil for depths of 0–40cm (Cal1), or using four conversion factors for fine roots in the soil at 10-cm intervals (Cal2). Cal1 overestimated fine root biomass in the lower soil or underestimated that in the upper soil, while fine root biomass calculated using Cal2 better matched that in soil core samples. These results suggest that minirhizotron data should be converted separately for different soil depths to better estimate fine root biomass.     

Interspecific competition impacts on the morphology and distribution of fine roots in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.)

Morphology and vertical distribution patterns of spruce and beech live fine roots (diameter ≤2 mm) were studied using a soil core method in three comparable mature stands in the Solling: (1) pure beech, (2) pure spruce and (3) mixed spruce–beech. This study was aimed at determining the effects of interspecific competition on fine root structure and spatial fine root distribution of both species. A vertical stratification of beech and spruce fine root systems was found in the mixed stand due to a shift in beech fine roots from upper to lower soil layers. Moreover, compared to pure beech, a significantly higher specific root length (SRL, P<0.05) and specific surface area (SSA, P<0.05) were found for beech admixed with spruce (pure beech/mixed beech SRL 16.1–23.4 m g⁻¹, SSA 286–367 cm² g⁻¹). Both indicate a flexible ‘foraging’ strategy of beech tending to increase soil exploitation and space sequestration efficiency in soil layers less occupied by competitors. Spruce, in contrast, followed a more conservative strategy keeping the shallow vertical rooting and the root morphology quite constant in both pure and mixed stands (pure spruce/mixed spruce SRL 9.6/7.7 m g⁻¹, P>0.10; SSA 225/212 cm² g⁻¹, P>0.10). Symmetric competition belowground between mixed beech and spruce was observed since live fine roots of both species were under-represented compared to pure stand. However, the higher space sequestration efficiency suggests a higher competitive ability of beech belowground.     

Biomass distribution in 40-year-old trees of Japanese black pine

Measurements were carried out to survey the quantity of above- and below-ground biomass and its distribution of five Japanese black pines (Pinus thunbergii Parl.) growing on a sandy soil. The roots, divided into diameter groups, were surveyed using two methods—soil coring and excavation. Average dry weight of total biomass of the trees was 176,185 g. Roots represented 13.2%, below-ground stump 6.5%, stem 70.4% and branches with needles 9.9% of total biomass. Roots made up about two thirds and stump one third of below-ground biomass. Total length of below-ground biomass (except roots with diameter < 0.1 cm) was 479.1 m/tree. Roots with diameter of 0.1–0.2 cm represented only 0.7% of below-ground biomass, however as much as 49.9% of their total length. Roots with diameter over 10.0 cm constituted as much as 21.6% of below-ground biomass, however were only 0.3% of its total length. Root systems had well developed tap roots to maximal depth of 231 cm. The results indicated that mass and length of roots with diameter 0.5–2.0 cm had a close correlation with branch mass. Mass and length of roots with diameter 2.0–10.0 cm closely correlated to stem mass. Stem mass, root mass and root length closely correlated to DBH. A rather low correlation was found between DBH and mass of branches and below-ground stump. DBH was a suitable variable for predicting total biomass.     

Effects of elevated CO2 concentrations on photosynthesis, dark respiration and RuBPcase activity of three species seedlings in Changbai Mountain

Two-year-old seedlings ofPinus koraiensis, Pinus sylvestriformis andFraxinus mandshurica were treated in open-top chambers with elevated CO₂ concentrations (700 μL·L⁻¹, 500 μL·L⁻¹) and ambient CO₂ concentrations (350 μL·L⁻¹) in Changbai Mountain from June to Sept. in 1999 and 2001. The net photosynthetic rate, dark respiration rate, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxlase (RuBPcase) activity, and chlorophyll content were analyzed. The results indicated the RuBPcase activity of the three species seedlings increased at elevated CO₂ concentrations. The elevated CO₂ concentrations stimulated the net photosynthetic rates of three tree species exceptP. sylvestriformis grown under 500 μL·L⁻¹ CO₂ concentration. The dark respiration rates ofP. koraiensis andP. sylvestriformis increased under concentration of 700 μL·L⁻¹ CO₂, out that ofF. mandshurica decreased under both concentrations 700 μL·L⁻¹ and 500 μL·L⁻¹ CO₂. The seedlings ofF. mandshurica decreased in chlorophyll contents at elevated CO₂ concentrations. Foundation item: This paper was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30070158). Knowledge Innovation Item of Chinese Academy of Sciences (KZCX2-406) and “Hundred Scientists” Project of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Biography: Zhou Yu-mei (1973-) Ph. Doctor, Assistant Research fellow Institute of Applied Ecology. Chinese Academy of Sciences. Shenyang 110016. P.R. China. Responsible editor: Song Funan     

林龄对思茅松人工林根系生物量的影响

[目的]以云南省普洱市主要植被思茅松人工林为研究对象,探讨不同林龄思茅松人工林根系生物量的大小分布及变化特征。[方法]分别在5、8、15、25、36年生思茅松人工林内,利用内径为8.5 cm的根钻分3层(0~10、10~20、20~30 cm)获取思茅松与其它物种的细根、粗根及死根生物量数据。[结果]表明:随着思茅松人工林林龄的增长,思茅松细根生物量呈减少的趋势,而其它物种细根生物量呈增加趋势,细根生物量最大出现在36年生思茅松人工林。不同林龄思茅松人工林的思茅松粗根和死根生物量之间无显著差异,而其它物种及林分的粗根生物量和根系生物量则随林龄增长而增加。思茅松人工林的细根生物量主要分布在土壤深度0~10 cm内,其中,思茅松、其它物种、林分细根生物量以及根系生物量随土层深度的增加呈减少趋势。林龄和土壤深度对思茅松与其它物种的细根生物量有显著影响,林龄与土壤深度的交叉作用对思茅松细根生物量有显著影响,林龄对死根生物量有显著影响,林龄、土壤深度及林龄与土壤深度的交叉作用对粗根与根系的生物量有显著影响。[结论]思茅松人工林随着林龄增长,群落结构与树种组成随之发生变化,从而对根系生物量产生较大影响。     

Effects of coppicing on the root and stump carbohydrate dynamics in birches

Whole birch stems were cut off in order to determine how coppicing affects root and stump starch, glucose, fructose and sucrose concentrations and their correlation with shoot regeneration capacity. The Betula pubescens Ehrh. and B. pendula Roth studied included intact trees, trees that had been coppiced 8 years earlier, trees coppiced at the beginning of the experimental season, and birches that had been coppiced twice, 8 years earlier and at the beginning of the experimental season. Carbohydrate accumulation differed between 8 years earlier coppiced and intact trees. Recent coppicing clearly decreased the starch and sugar concentrations of the roots, which were often highest in the thin roots. The concentrations of these compounds in the stumps were always low, although the carbohydrate concentrations of stumps, in particular, correlated with shoot regeneration capacity. Starch was the most labile of the carbohydrates measured and most clearly reacted to coppicing. Differences in starch- and sugar-reserve dynamics indicate a difference between these birch species in the use and replenishing of root and stump reserves. This information may also be of help when the effects of other stresses, for example, severe animal damage or burning, on the regrowth of young birch stands are estimated.     

Spatial variation and understorey competition effect of Pinus radiata fine roots in a silvopastoral system in New Zealand

In designing agroforestry systems, the combination of tree genotype (orspecies) and pasture species and the spatial arrangement of trees are importantconsiderations. The spatial variation of fine root length density (FRLD) ofthree radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) genotypes,referred to here as clone 3, clone 4 and seedlings, was studied in athree-year-old temperate silvopastoral experiment. The genotypes were plantedwith three understorey types: ryegrass (Lolium perenne)mixed with clovers (Trifolium spp), lucerne(Medicago sativa), and control (bare ground). Also fineroot distribution of both tree and pasture species with soil depth and inrelation to tree row (0.9 m north or south of and within the rippedtree row) was studied. Greater FRLD was found in clonal than in seedling treesin the bare ground treatment but not in the two pasture treatments, and in the0–0.1 m but not in the 0.1–0.2 or 0.2–0.3m soil layers. Clonal trees had a greater ability to develop a moreextensive root system, especially in the 0–0.1 m soil layer,but that advantage disappeared when they were planted with pasture species sincecompetition from the pasture species was most severe in the 0–10cm layer. The FRLD of lucerne was greater than that ofryegrass/clovers, consistent with the greater aboveground biomass production oflucerne. Pasture species FRLD was greater on the south (wetter) than on thenorth side of the ripline or in the ripline. The interception of prevailingsoutherly rain-bearing wind by tree crowns resulted in the south side beingwetter than the north side. Results indicated that production and distributionof fine roots of both tree and pasture species responded to changes in themicroclimate. We suggest that to optimize pasture/tree biomass productionplanting trees in the north-south direction is better than in the east-westdirection at the studied site. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Biomass of fine and small roots in two Japanese black pine stands of different ages

The biomass and the spatial distribution of fine and small roots were studied in two Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii Parl.) stands growing on a sandy soil. More biomass of fine and small roots was found in the 17-year-old than in the 40-year-old stand. There were 62 g m⁻² of fine roots and 56 g m⁻² of small roots in the older stand, which represented mean values of 608 g for fine and 552 g for small roots per tree, respectively. In the younger stand, a total of 85 g m⁻² of fine roots and 66 g m⁻² of small roots were determined, representing a mean of 238 g for fine and 186 g for small roots per tree, respectively. Fine and small root biomasses decreased linearly with a soil depth of 0–50 cm in the older stand. In the younger stand, the fine and small roots developed only up to a depth of 30 cm. Horizontal distributions (with regard to distance from a tree) of both root groups were homogeneous. A positive correlation in the amount of biomass of fine and small roots per m² relative to tree size was found. Fine and small root biomasses increased consistently from April to July in both stands. The results also indicated earlier growth activity of the fine roots than small roots at the beginning of the growing season. The seasonal increases in fine and small root biomasses were slightly higher in the younger stand than the older stand.