Structural root growth of young Veronese poplars on erodible slopes in the southern North Island,New Zealand

In New Zealand poplars are commonly planted on moist, unstable pastoral hill country to prevent or reduce soil erosion, thereby maintaining hillslope integrity and pasture production. Mechanical reinforcement by poplar root systems aids slope stabilisation. Root mass and distribution were determined for three Populus deltoides × nigra ‘Veronese’ trees aged 5, 7 and 9.5 year planted as 3 m poles at 8 m × 8 m spacing on a hillslope near Palmerston North in the southern North Island. Most of the structural roots (≥2 mm diameter) were distributed in the top 40 cm of soil. Vertical roots penetrated to about 1.0 m, being the depth of the soil above a fragipan. Total structural root dry masses (excluding root crown) were 0.57, 7.8 and 17.90 kg for the trees aged 5, 7 and 9.5 year, respectively. Total structural root length was 79.4 m for the 5 year tree and 663.5 m for the 9.5 year tree. Surrounding trees were estimated to increase root mass density to 3 times and root length density to 4–5 times the contribution of the single tree at 9.5 year. The study indicated that root development of wide-spaced poplar trees on hillslopes was minimal in the first 5 years but then increased rapidly. These results suggest that poplar trees established from poles may take at least 5 years to develop a structural root network that will effectively bind soil.     

Root biomass and distribution of five agroforestry tree species

Knowledge of the quantitative assessment and structural development of root systems is essential to improve and optimize productivity of agroforestry systems. Studies on root biomass recovery by sieves of different mesh sizes (2.0, 1.0, 0.5 and 0.25 mm) and root distribution for four-year-old individuals of five agroforestry tree species viz.; Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Benth, Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Bauhinia variegata L., Bombax ceiba L. and Wendlandia exserta Roxb. were conducted at the research farm of Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar, India. The results indicated that the 0.5 mm sieve was adequate for recovery of the majority of roots. All the tree species exhibited a large variation in root depth and horizontal root spread four years after planting. The maximum root depth was recorded in W. exserta (2.10 m) and minimum in B. variegata (1.00 m). Horizontal root spread was 2.05 m in B. ceiba and 8.05 m in A. auriculiformis. Root spread exceeded crown cover for all species. The primary roots were more horizontal than the secondary roots. The length and diameter of the main root were highest in A. indica (108.3 cm) and B. ceiba (23.2 cm), respectively. Highest length and diameter of lateral roots were recorded in B. variegata (201.6 cm) and A. indica (1.8 cm), respectively. Total root biomass among different species accounted for 18.2–37.9% of the total tree biomass. Results of this study infer that although all the species have potential to conserve moisture and improve fertility status of the soil, A. auriculiformis is the most effective for promoting soil fertility. The deep rooted W. exserta and A. auriculiformis will be preferred for cultivation under agroforestry systems and could reduce competition for nutrients and moisture with crops by pumping from deeper layers of soil.     

Biomass production and root distribution of Gmelina arborea under an agrisilviculture system in subhumid tropics of Central India

A study of an agrisilviculture system comprising Gmelina arborea and soybean (Glycine max) was conducted in the subhumid region of Central India. Above- and below-ground biomass production and distribution of coarse and fine roots were studied in 4-year-old G. arborea, planted at a spacing of 2 × 2 m, 2 × 3 m, 2 × 4 m and 2 × 5 m. The total biomass varied from 10.89 Mg ha^–1 to 3.65 Mg ha^–1 depending on the tree density. Among the different tree components, stemwood contributed maximum biomass (54.3–79.4%), followed by branches and leaves. Root distribution pattern showed that most of the coarse roots were distributed in the top 40 cm of soil, whereas fine roots were concentrated in the top 20 cm. Coarse root biomass decreased with an increase in spacing. The spread of roots was asymmetrical in trees planted at 2 × 2 m and 2 × 3 m spacings, while it was symmetrical in trees planted at wide spacings. No significant difference was observed in the fine root biomass in different stands. The root:shoot ratio increased with an increase in spacing. Crop (soybean) growth and productivity varied significantly and it increased with a decrease in tree density. Soybean yield varied between 1.5 Mg ha^–1 to 2.1 Mg ha^–1. The role of root architecture of G. arborea trees on productivity of crops under agri-silviculture system is discussed.     

不同坡位8年生厚朴人工林生物量分配格局

对不同坡位8年生厚朴人工林地上部分和地下部分生物量及其分配率进行了调查分析。研究结果表明,从生长量来看,不同坡位平均胸径、平均树高及平均木单株总生物量均体现为下坡位〉中坡位〉上坡位;就各器官生物量分配率而言,不同坡位厚朴各器官生物量分配率表现为干〉叶〉枝;从平均木各径级根生物量分配率来看,各坡位均表现为骨骼根〉中根根〉大根〉小根〉细根;地上部分皮的总生物量表现为下坡位〉中坡位〉上坡位,地下部分不同径级根生物量分配率随坡位变化而变化,其中干皮生物量分配率表现为下坡〉上坡〉中坡,枝皮生物量分配率表现为下坡〉中坡〉上坡,大根及中根皮生物量分配率表现为中坡〉上坡〉下坡。     

Distribution and tensile strength of Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) roots growing on slopes of Caspian Forests, Iran

Biomechanical characteristics of the root system of hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) were assessed by measuring Root Area Ratio (RAR) values and tensile strength of root specimens of eight hornbeam trees growing on hilly terrain of Northern Iran. RAR values of the roots were obtained using profile trenching method at soil depth of the top 0.1 m. In total 123 root specimens were analyzed for tensile strength. Results indicate that in general, RAR decreases with depth, following a power function. The RAR values in up and down slopes have no significant statistical differences. In most cases, the maximum RAR values were located in soil depth of the top 0.1 m, with maximum rooting depth at about 0.75 m. The minimum and maximum RAR values along the profiles were 0.004% and 6.431% for down slope and 0.004% and 3.995% for up slope, respectively. The number of roots in the up and down slope trenches was not significantly different. In the same manner as for RAR, number of roots distributing with depth was satisfactorily approximated a power function. The penetration depths of above 90 percent of the roots were at soil depths of 50 cm and 60 cm for up and down slopes, respectively. Results of Spearman’s bivariate correlation showed no significant correlation between the RAR value with tree diameter and gradient of slope and number of roots. The mean value of root tensile strength was 31.51 ± 1.05 MPa and root tensile strength decreased with the increase in root diameter, following a power law equation. Using ANCOVA, we found intraspecies variation of tensile strength. Biography: Ehsan Abdi (1978– ), Male, Ph.D candidate, in the Department of Forestry, University of Tehran, Karaj 31585-3314, Iran.     

Rooting patterns and fine root biomass of Pinus pinaster assessed by trench wall and core methods

Variability of fine root (diameter < 2 mm) distribution was investigated in four 55 to 56-year-old Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) stands using a combination of trench wall observations and destructive sampling. Our objectives were to assess patterns of fine root distribution, to estimate tree fine root biomass and to explore interactions with understorey vegetation in a gradient of relevant site conditions. Results showed that root density decreased with soil depth in all stands, and variability appeared to be highest in litter and subsoil layers especially where compacted soil layers occurred. Roots were clustered in patches in the top 0–50 cm of the soil or were present as root channels at greater depths. Cluster number, cluster size and number of root channels were comparable in all four stands. Overall fine root biomass at depths of 0–120 cm ranged from 2.7 to 7.2 Mg ha⁻¹ and was highest for the two driest stands. The use of trench wall records made it possible to reduce the variability of these estimates. Understorey species represented as much as 90% of the total number of fine roots in the upper layers, and the understorey formed a considerable proportion of the total ecosystem biomass, suggesting that understorey species are likely competitors for nutrients in this ecosystem. Further studies should focus on the interaction of the understorey and pine roots and the ecological significance of clustered roots and nutrient distributions.     

Tree roots in a changing world

Globally, forests cover 4 billion hectares or 30% of the Earth's land surface, and 20%–40% of the forest biomass is made up of roots. Roots play a key role for trees: they take up water and nutrients from the soil, store carbon (C) compounds, and provide physical stabilization. Estimations from temperate forests of Central Europe reveal that C storage in trees accounts for about 110 t C ha₋₁, of which 26 t C ha₋₁ is in coarse roots and 1.2 t C ha₋₁ is in fine roots. Compared with soil C, which is about 65 t C ha₋₁ (without roots), the contribution of the root C to the total belowground C pool is about 42%. Flux of C into soils by plant litter (stemwood excluded) compared with the total soil C pool, however, is relatively small (4.4 t C ha₋₁ year₋₁) with the coarse and fine roots each contributing about 20%. Elevated CO₂ concentrations and N depositions lead to increased plant biomass, including that of roots. Recent analysis in experiments with elevated CO₂ concentrations have shown increases of the forest net primary productivity by about 23%, and, in the case of poplars, an increase of the standing root biomass by about 62%. The turnover of fine roots is also positively influenced by elevated CO₂ concentrations and can be increased in poplars by 25%–45%. A recently established international platform for scientists working on woody root processes, COST action E38, allows the exchange of information, ideas, and personnel, and it has the aim to identify knowledge gaps and initiate future collaborations and research activities.     

Roots under the load of heavy machinery in spruce trees

The effects of the passage of forwarders on soil and damage to spruce root systems along an experimental trail were studied. The site was characterized by medium-textured soil of the pseudogley type under favorable moisture conditions. Due to the passages, the soil was compacted down to a depth of 20 cm, soil porosity was decreased by 5% (volume) and soil aeration was decreased by more than 5%. Substantially higher values of mechanical soil resistance occurred (estimated by penetrometric measurements) in a soil pit situated in a rut after passages. Pressure measured by sensors placed at a depth of 10 cm below the soil surface reached values ranging from 0.09 to 0.11 MPa in plots uncovered with slash and 0.03–0.07 MPa in plots covered with slash after two to four passages, and 0.06–0.07 after six to ten passages. Soil surface deformations occurred in the upper soil layers through tire impression. This resulted in the origin of ruts, whose depth and width was dependent on the type of tires, their load, surface conditions, type and texture of soil, soil moisture and number of passages. Pressure in the soil layers imposed by the tire of a given type, inflation and load changed in relation to depth, ground cover, soil properties and reinforcing components on the soil surface. Sap flow in coarse roots actually treated by a moving heavy load clearly and immediately responded with a sharp increase followed by a similar decrease (peak flow) after several minutes. On average, the flow rate decreased by about 8% after the first treatment compared to the untreated state, and remained the same after passing the peak during the second pass when the maximum load was applied. However, this decrease amounted to about 40%, when compared to the “relative zero flow” after root severing. This indicates serious local damage to the conducting system. Even when loading directly damaged rather small fractions of the total root systems, it opened tree tissues to subsequent fungal infection, whose impact could be very serious in future years. Flow in stem sections oriented in the opposite direction to the trail and the flow in stem sections and root buttresses oriented toward the trail (but where roots were not actually growing below the trail or grew deeper in the soil), neither responded to the treatment or responded insignificantly. Sap flow responded only in surface roots below trails, occurring down to a depth of about 10 cm below the original soil (litter) surface. This occurred only when a significant part of the roots (with the total projected area of treated root branches more then 500 cm²) were under the tires. This indicates the protective ability of soils and also, a possible method of artificial root protection.     

Root distribution of under-planted European beech (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fagus sylvatica</Emphasis> L.) below the canopy of a mature Norway spruce stand as a function of light

Aboveground and belowground biomass of 15-year-old under-planted European beech seedlings (Fagus sylvatica L.) in Norway spruce stand were studied along a light gradient in three plots, in the northern part of Slovenia. Differences in soil water content, aboveground and fine root biomass distribution were confirmed between studied plots. Light had significant effect on the total biomass, root-shoot ratio (0.388 ± 0.076 under canopy, 0.549 ± 0.042 in the edge, 0.656 ± 0.047 in the open), specific root length (SRL) of fine beech roots (561.9 ± 42.2 under canopy, 664.3 ± 51.2 in the edge, 618.2 ± 72.8 in the open) and specific leaf area in beech, indicating morphological adjustment to shade. However, SRL of beech fine roots indicated no change between plots. The correlation between total aboveground and root biomass and light below the mature stand canopy was higher in the case of diffuse light intensity. Most fine roots of spruce were concentrated in the top (0–20 cm) soil layer. Beech fine roots under canopy and edge conditions were also concentrated in top (0–20 cm) soil layer and exhibited shift downwards to deeper soil horizons in open plot. Root proportion between beech and spruce changed with light toward beech with increasing light intensity for both fine and coarse roots.     

Bamboo hedgerow systems in Kerala, India: Root distribution and competition with trees for phosphorus

In a field study on bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Willd.) hedgerow systems of Kerala, we tested the following three hypotheses: (1) Effective root foraging space is a function of crown spread, (2) Proximity of trees depress lateral spread of roots in mixed species systems and (3) The closer the trees are located the greater will be the subsoil root activity which in turn facilitates active absorption of nutrients from deeper layers of the soil profile. Root distribution of boundary planted bamboo and root competition with associated trees in two binary mixtures, teak (Tectona grandis)-bamboo and Malabar white pine (Vateria indica)-bamboo, were evaluated using modified logarithmic spiral trenching and ³²P soil injection techniques respectively. Excavation studies indicate that rooting intensity declined linearly with increasing lateral distance. Larger clumps manifested wider foraging zones. Eighty three per cent of the large clumps (>4.0 m dia.) extended roots beyond 8 m while only 33% of the small (<2.5 m dia.) clumps extended roots up to 8 m. Highest root counts were found in the 10–20 cm layer with nearly 30% of total roots. Although nearness of bamboo clumps depressed root activity of teak and Vateria in the surface layers of the soil profile, root activity in the deeper layers was stimulated. ³²P recovery was higher when applied at 50-cm depth than at 25-cm depth implying the safety net role of tree roots for leached down nutrients. Inter specific root competition can be regulated by planting crops 8–9 m away from the bamboo clumps and/or by canopy reduction treatments. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Biomass of fine roots and its relationship with water-stable aggregates in a composite ecosystem of triploid Populus tomentosa in the conversion of farmland to forest

A study on the biomass of fine roots and its relationship with water-stable aggregates (WSA) was conducted in two herbaceous models, triploid Populus tomentosa + Lolium multiflorum (TL) and triploid P. tomentosa + natural grass (TN). Both of the model triploid P. tomentosa stands were four years old converted from agriculture. Unconverted steep slope farmland was used as a control site. Results showed that the biomass of fine roots (⩽ 1 mm) in different layers varied in the following descending order: upper layer, middle layer and lower layer, at approximate ratios of 50:30:20. The average annual biomass of fine roots in ryegrass was twice that of the mixed natural grass-forest land. The total amount of natural grass roots was 4.4 times that of the ryegrass model. Water-stable aggregates of the upper, middle and lower layers and the unconverted farmland did not show any significant differences, whereas the amounts of water-stable aggregates of big-particles in the upper and middle layers were much larger than those of unconverted lands. The amounts of water-stable aggregates of natural grass-forest lands (TN model) were higher than those of managed grass-forest lands (TL model). Two-way analysis of variance indicated that fine roots (≤ 1 mm) could significantly enhance water-stable aggregates and total water-stable aggregates. We conclude that the program of converting agricultural lands to forest-grass lands is an effective way in improving soil anti-erosion capability. __________ Translated from Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 2007, 43(5): 24–29 [译自:林业科学]     

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.     

Soil water competition in a temperate hedgerow agroforestry system in South Africa

An on-farm trial was conducted to determine dry matter production of four fodder tree species and their effect on soil water and maize production. The trees were planted in rows intercropped with maize. The four tree species selected were Acacia karroo Hayne (indigenous fodder tree), Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit (nitrogen fixing), Morus alba L. (fodder and fruit), and Gleditsia triacanthos L. (fodder and fuel). Volumetric soil water was measured in the upper 0.3 m of soil in each row of the trial using the time domain reflectometry technique. The neutron probe technique was used for monitoring the water content deeper in the soil. Geostatistical methods were used to analyse treatment differences in the upper 0.3 m of soil. The soil water content did not differ significantly between the maize and tree rows indicating that competition for water in the upper horizon was not the reason for lower maize yields. However, at greater soil depths (75–125 cm) trees in the wide spacing used less water than those in the narrow spacing. Light interception was an important factor in reducing maize yields in the row nearest to the trees. High soil water values recorded during summer indicated that in the current cycle of good rainfall the plants in the agroforestry trial were not stressed. Thus the trees do not compete with the crops for soil moisture in good rainfall seasons. However, this study would need further evaluation for the competition for water for the low rainfall years. Since the trees have access to water at greater depths, they are likely to be more productive into the dry season than shallow rooted crops.     

A comparison of root distribution of three hardwood species grown on a hillside in the Caspian forest,Iran

Slope is a complex environmental factor that can subject plants to a number of mechanical stresses. The anchorage of roots and improvement of slope stability mainly depend on specific properties of root systems, such as root distribution. In the present study, 24 trees (from three species) growing on gentle slopes (10–20°) were randomly chosen for root distribution analysis. The profile trenching method was used to obtain root characteristics. The findings indicated that root area ratio (RAR) decreased with depth and that maximum RAR values were observed in the upper layers; RAR values were between 0.0004% and 6.6444%. Average RAR values were not statistically different in upslope and downslope layers except in one case. The dot grid method (100 × 150 mm) usually overestimated the RAR values. The amount of roots decreased with depth following a power law. About 50% and 90% of roots were located in the first 30 and 60 cm depths, respectively. Results of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed a significant effect of diameter at breast height (DBH) on total RAR but not on the total number of roots. About 70% of roots had diameter of less than 10 mm. Spearman’s correlation showed significant negative correlation between the total number of roots and the amount of N, P, and K elements, and a positive correlation between DBH and RAR. The results serve to develop understanding of the biotechnical characteristics of root systems of Caspian species.     

Biomass production and allometric above- and below-ground relations for young birch stands planted at four spacings on abandoned farmland

The objective of the study was to quantify above- and below-stumpbiomass of silver (Betula pendula Roth) and downy (Betula pubescensEhrh.) birches planted at four spacing intervals and growingon two soil types on an area of farmland. The 12-year-old bircheshad been grown at four spacings (1.3, 1.5, 1.8 and 2.6 m) ontwo sites: one on medium clay soil and the other on fine sandsoil. The dry weight of the stem, branches, leaves, stumps androots was estimated by drying and weighing sub-samples. Theprojected leaf area (PLA) m^–2 of trees, leaf area indexof stands and basic density (kg m^–3)of stems were alsoestimated. A significant greater dry weight of stem, branches,stump and roots and species and spacing for pendula birch werefound. The root length of silver birch was significantly greaterthan that for downy birch and for both species the root lengthwas greatest at the widest spacing (2.6 m). There was also asignificant difference between leaf weights of birch of thesame species growing on the two soil types. Significant differenceswere also found between PLA and species, and for both species,between PLA spacing. Basic density of stems was significantlydifferent between soil types. Equations for estimating the above-groundbiomass and root biomass from diameter at breast height weredeveloped for birches growing on fine sand and on medium claysoils. The total biomass production per hectare on fine sandwas higher for silver birch (19.9–65.9 tonnes ha^–1),than for downy birch (13.0–48.3 tonnes ha^–1). Onmedium clay soil, total biomass production for silver and downybirches was 30.8–52.8 and 16.8–42.8 tonnes ha^–1,respectively.     

Effects of calcium, boron and nitrogen fertilization on the growth of teak (Tectona grandis) seedlings and chemical property of acidic soil substrate

Many teak plantations are established on acidic soils with low nutrient availability. There is also poor documentation of nutrient budgets for teak, therefore, a pot experiment with optimal hybrid regression design (Roquemore R311A) was implemented with calcium, boron and nitrogen treatments with teak seedlings (Tectona grandis L.f.) planted in acidic lateritic red soil substrate. Seedling growth, biomass production and root development, and soil pH, and exchangeable Ca and Al concentration were measured. Plant height, root collar diameter, biomass of leaves, stems and roots, root volume, taproot length, number of lateral roots of teak seedlings were significantly and positively correlated with soil exchangeable Ca, pH and Ca/Al molar ratio, and negatively correlated with exchangeable Al. All growth traits were significantly affected by calcium, nitrogen and their interaction, but B fertilizer and other interactions had insignificant effects. To effectively cultivate teak seedlings in acidic soil substrates, 1.68 g kg⁻¹ quicklime (CaO) and 0.65 g kg⁻¹ urea was suggested to be added to neutralize soil acidity, and enhance soil exchangeable Ca content and Ca/Al molar ratio. Urea should not be added without quicklime.     

Root length density and carbon content of agroforestry and grass buffers under grazed pasture systems in a Hapludalf

Enhancement of root development helps to improve soil physical properties, carbon sequestration, and water quality of streams. The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in root length density (RLD) and root and soil carbon content within grass buffer (GB), agroforestry buffer (AgB), rotationally grazed pasture (RG) and continuously grazed pasture (CG) treatments. Pasture and GB areas included red clover (Trifolium pretense L.) and lespedeza (Kummerowia stipulacea Maxim.) planted into fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) while AgB included Eastern cottonwood trees (Populus deltoids Bortr. ex Marsh.) planted into fescue. One-meter deep soil cores were collected from each treatment in August 2007 and 2008 with a soil probe. Three soil cores were sampled at six replicate sampling positions. Soil cores were collected in plastic tubes inserted inside the metal soil probe. Soils were segregated by horizons, and roots were separated into three diameter classes (0–1, 1–2, >2 mm) by soil horizon. Root length was determined using a flatbed scanner assisted with computer software. Buffer treatments (167 cm/100 cm³) had 4.5 times higher RLD as compared to pasture treatments (37.3 cm/100 cm³). The AgB treatment had the highest (173.5 cm/100 cm³) RLD and CG pasture had the lowest (10.8 cm/100 cm³) value. Root carbon was about 3% higher for the buffers compared to RG treatment. Soil carbon was about 115% higher for the buffers compared to pasture treatments. Results from this study imply that establishment of agroforestry and GB on grazed pasture watersheds improve soil carbon accumulation and root parameters which enhance soil physical and chemical properties thus improving the environmental quality of the landscape.     

Seasonal change in N<Subscript>2</Subscript>O flux from forest soils in a forest catchment in Japan

Temperate forest soils are one source of nitrous oxide (N₂O), which is an important greenhouse gas and the most important ozone-depleting substance. To clarify N₂O flux mechanisms in relation to soil temperature, moisture, and nitrification activity, we measured N₂O fluxes and net nitrification rates over 3 years at the lower (Japanese cedar) and upper (deciduous broad-leaved trees) parts of a hill slope in a small forest catchment in the northern Kanto region of Japan. The N₂O flux was measured by the closed-chamber technique every month, along with soil temperature and water-filled pore space (WFPS). At the lower slope, the N₂O flux increased with increasing soil temperature (r ² = 0.383, P < 0.01) owing to an increase in the nitrification rate. At the upper slope, no positive linear correlation of N₂O flux with soil temperature, WFPS, or nitrification rate was observed. The low N₂O flux at the upper slope during summer was caused by the low summertime WFPS there. We attributed the higher mean N₂O fluxes observed at the lower slope (median 2.36 μg N m⁻² h⁻¹) than at the upper slope (median 1.10 μg N m⁻² h⁻¹) to a high soil moisture during summer season in the surface soil of the lower slope.     

Development of the Structural Root System of Sitka Spruce

Growth ring analysis was carried out on root systems of Sitkaspruce trees which had been planted 8 and 34 years previously.Retrospective measurements were made on root extension, andon cross-sectional area increment near the root base. The extensionof main lateral roots started slowly, then increased, and theyachieved a mean length of 4.4 m in 8 years. Differentiationinto roots of widely different radial growth rates took placeduring the first 6 years, resulting in 3 to 11 ‘major’woody roots and a large number of small ‘minor’ones, with some of intermediate vigour, radiating from the stump.The major roots established during the first few years constitutedthe main structural root system at 34 years. Many of the minorroots stopped growing in diameter after a few years, but werestill alive and extending at 34 years. The differentiation intomajor and minor roots is discussed with reference to their originon the root system, primary xylem diameter and the local environment.