Root distribution of Fagus sylvatica in a chronosequence in western France |
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Authors: | M R Bakker M-P Turpault S Huet C Nys |
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Institution: | (1) ENITA de Bordeaux, UMR1220 TCEM (INRA-ENITAB), 71 avenue E Bourlaux, 33883 Villenave d’Ornon, France;(2) INRA, UR1138 BEF, Champenoux, France;(3) Département Sciences Biologiques, INH, Angers, France |
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Abstract: | The distribution of fine (<2 mm diameter) and small roots (2–20 mm diameter) was investigated in a chronosequence consisting
of 9-year-old, 26-year-old, 82-year-old and 146-year-old European beech (Fagus sylvatica) stands. A combination of trench wall observations and destructive root sampling was used to establish whether root distribution
and total biomass of fine and small roots varied with stand age. Root density decreased with soil depth in all stands, and
variability appeared to be highest in subsoil horizons, especially where compacted soil layers occurred. Roots 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 stands, and high values of soil exploitation occurred throughout the entire
chronosequence. Overall fine root biomass at depths of 0–120 cm ranged from 7.4 Mg ha−1 to 9.8 Mg ha−1, being highest in the two youngest stands. Small root biomass ranged from 3.6 Mg ha−1 to 13.3 Mg ha−1. Use of trench wall observations combined with destructive root samples reduced the variability of these estimates. These
records showed that variability in fine root distribution depended more on soil depth and edaphic conditions than on stand
age, and suggest that trench wall studies provide a useful tool to improve estimates of fine root biomass. |
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Keywords: | European beech Fine roots Hardpans Small roots Trench wall |
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