Fine root architecture, morphology, and biomass of different branch orders of two Chinese temperate tree species

We have limited understanding of architecture and morphology of fine root systems in large woody trees. This study investigated architecture, morphology, and biomass of different fine root branch orders of two temperate tree species from Northeastern China—Larix gmelinii Rupr and Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr —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). Branching ratio (R _b) differed with the level of branching: R _b values from the fifth to the second order of branching were approximately three in both species, but markedly higher for the first two orders of branching, reaching a value of 10.4 for L. gmelinii and 18.6 for F. mandshurica. Fine root diameter, length, SRL and root length density not only had systematic changes with root order, but also varied significantly with season and soil depth. Total biomass per order did not change systematically with branch order. Compared to the second, third and/or fourth order, the first order roots exhibited higher biomass throughout the growing season and soil depths, a pattern related to consistently higher R _b values for the first two orders of branching than the other levels of branching. Moreover, the differences in architecture and morphology across order, season, and soil depth between the two species were consistent with the morphological disparity between gymnosperms and angiosperms reported previously. The results of this study suggest that root architecture and morphology, especially those of the first order roots, should be important for understanding the complexity and multi-functionality of tree fine roots with respect to root nutrient and water uptake, and fine root dynamics in forest ecosystems.     

Root distribution of a Mediterranean shrubland in Portugal

The distribution of roots of an Erica (Erica scoparia and Erica lusitanica) dominated Mediterranean maquis was studied using three different approaches: root counts on trench walls (down to 120 cm), estimation of the maximum rooting depth using an allometric relationship and estimation of fine root biomass and fine root length using soil cores (down to 100 cm). Roots were classified according to diameter (fine, 1.0 mm; small, 1.1–5.0 mm; medium, 5.1–10.0 mm; coarse, >10.0 mm) and species (Erica sp., Pteridium aquilinum, Rubus ulmifolius and Ulex jussiaei). The depth corresponding to 50% of all roots (D ₅₀) was determined by fitting a new model to the cumulative root distribution. Fine roots represented 96% of root counts. Root counts of Erica represented 59%, Ulex 34%, Rubus 6% and Pteridium 1%. Overall root counts showed a D ₅₀ of 26 cm. D ₅₀ was higher for Ulex (40 cm) and Erica (22 cm), than for Pteridium (9 cm) and Rubus (3 cm). D ₅₀ for fine roots was 27 cm, for small roots 11 cm, for medium roots 6 cm and for coarse roots 4 cm. The estimated average maximum rooting depth of the 28 deepest Erica roots was 222 cm. The deepest Erica root was estimated to reach 329 cm. A total of 82% of roots growing deeper than 125 cm were not reaching more than 175 cm. The overall fine root length density ranged from 4.6 cm/cm³ at 10 cm to 0.8 cm/cm³ at 80 cm. The overall fine root biomass ranged from 7.7 mg/cm³ at 10 cm to 0.6 mg/cm³ at 40 cm. D ₅₀ for root biomass was 12 cm and D ₅₀ for root length was 14 cm. Fine root biomass was estimated as 1.6 kg/m² and the respective root length as 18.7 km/m².     

Alfalffa,Medicago sativa L., in highly weathered,acid soils

Summary Alfalfa plants,Medicago sativa L., were selected from the Florida 66 cultivar for vigor in an acid (pH 4.4, Al≥.4 meq/100 g) and a limed, fertilized (pH 6.5, Al=0 meq/100 g, P and K added) Cecil topsoil. The selected plants were intermated by selection condition to achieve two germplasms, acid selected (A-1) and limed, fertile selected (L-1). ARhizobium meliloti strain (79-4s) was isolated from a high acetylene reducing nodule from a plant in a similar acid soil. The germplasms and the Rhizobium strain were then tested in greenhouse pots for agronomic performance under a variety of soil pH and fertility conditions. The 79-4s inoculum, as well as commercially prepared inoculum, gave better plant yield and acetylene reduction (N₂-fixation) at all harvests when compared to a sterile peat control, but the commercial inoculum was the best inoculum treatment. The A-1 germplasm produced higher shoot dry weight at the final harvest than did the L-1 germplasm at all soil pH’s when P and K were applied at the highest rates. The A-1 germplasm also had better root weight (mainly fibrous roots) and acetylene reduction in these soil conditions. The two germplasms appear to be genetically distinct and respond differently depending on soil pH and fertility conditions.     

Fibrous carrot root responses to irrigation and compaction of sandy and organic soils

Field experiments were performed in Southern Finland on fine sand and organic soil in 1990 and 1991 to study carrot roots. Fall ploughed land was loosened by rotary harrowing to a depth of 20 cm or compacted under moist conditions to a depth of 25–30 cm by three passes of adjacent wheel tracks with a tractor weighing 3 Mg, in April were contiguously applied across the plot before seed bed preparation. Sprinkler irrigation (30 mm) was applied to fine sand when moisture in the 0–15 cm range of soil depth was 50% of plant-available water capacity. For root sampling, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cylinders (30 × 60 cm) were installed in the rows of experimental plots after sowing, and removed at harvest. Six carrot plants were grown in each of in these soil colums in situ in the field.Fine root length and width were quantified by image analysis. Root length density (RLD) per plant was 0.2–1.0 cm cm^-3 in the 0–30 cm range. The fibrous root system of one carrot had total root lengths of 130–150 m in loose fine sand and 180–200 m in compacted fine sand. More roots were observed in irrigated than non-irrigated soils. In the 0–50 cm range of organic soil, 230–250 m of root length were removed from loosened organic soils and 240–300 m from compacted soils. Specific root surface area (surface area divided by dry root weight) of a carrot fibrous root system averaged 1500–2000 cm² g^-1. Root length to weight ratios of 250–350 m g^-1 effectively compare with the ratios of other species.Fibrous root growth was stimulated by soil compaction or irrigation to a depth of 30 cm, in both the fine sand and organic soils, suggesting better soil water supply in compacted than in loosened soils. Soil compaction increased root diameters more in fine sand than it did in organic soil. Most of the root length in loosened soils (fine sand 90%, organic soil 80%) and compacted soils (fine sand 80%, organic soil 75%) was composed of roots with diameters of approximately 0.15 mm. With respect to dry weight, length, surface area and volume of the fibrous root system, all the measurements gave significant resposes to irrigation and soil compaction. Total root volumes in the 0–50 cm of soil were 4.3 cm³ and 9.8 cm³ in loosened fine sand and organic soils, respectively, and 6.7 cm³ and 13.4 cm³ in compacted sand and organic soils, respectively. In fine sand, irrigation increased the volume from 4.8 to 6.3 cm³.     

Does liquid fertilization affect fine root dynamics and lifespan of mycorrhizal short roots?

We studied effects of nitrogen, other nutrients and water (liquid fertilization; LF) on fine root dynamics (production, mortality) and life span of mycorrhizal short roots in a Norway spruce stand, using minirhizotrons. Data were collected and analyzed during a two-year period at depths of 0–20 cm, 21–40 cm and 41–85 cm, six years after the start of treatment. Relative to control (C), root production was lower in LF plots at depth 0–20 cm. Root production increased significantly at depth 41–85 cm. Fine root mortality in LF plots was higher at all depths. Life span of mycorrhizal short roots in LF plots was significantly lower than C plots and at the end of the study no mycorrhizal short roots were alive. It is suggested that the water and nitrogen input lower longevity of mycorrhizal short roots and promote fine root production at deeper soil layers.     

柠条人工林细根不同分枝根序寿命估计

植物细根在发育结构上表现的形态特征和生理功能异质性影响细根寿命的准确估计,因此了解分枝根序细根寿命差异对于深入认识细根的周转过程和陆地生态系统碳分配具有重要意义。采用微根管(Minirhizotron)技术对晋西北黄土区的五年生柠条(Caragana Korshinskii Kom.)人工林细根的生长过程进行了为期3a(2007—2009年)的追踪观测,分析了不同因素(土层深度、季节变化、空间位置)对一级根和高级根寿命的影响。结果表明:(1)在各土层深度处,一级根的中值寿命均低于高级根中值寿命,其中一级根中值寿命表现随土层深度增加而增加趋势,而高级根除表层0—20 cm中值寿命较短外,各土层间变化趋势不明显,40—60 cm、80—100 cm土层高级根在观测期结束时其累积存活率仍在50%以上;(2)不同季节出生一级根和高级根的中值寿命季节性表现为:秋季夏季春季,并且在各个季节均表现,高级根寿命显著大于一级根寿命(P0.01);一级根仅夏季与秋季差异性不显著(P0.05),而高级根仅春季与秋季存在极显著差异(P0.01);(3)一级根和高级根距树干基部0 cm处细根中值寿命均大于50 cm处一级根和高级根细根的中值寿命。同一位置处高级根寿命要大于一级根寿命。在距树干基部0 cm处和50 cm处,一级根和高级根的寿命均存在极显著差异(P0.01),但高级根却在距树干基部0 cm和50 cm处差异不明显,而一级根却表现极显著差异(P0.01)。     

Annual and seasonal changes in fine root biomass of a Quercus ilex L. forest

The biomass, production and mortality of fine roots (roots with diameter <2.5 mm) were studied in a typical Mediterranean holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) forest in NE Spain using the minirhizotron methodology. A total of 1212 roots were monitored between June of 1994 and March of 1997. Mean annual fine root biomass in the holm oak forest of Prades was 71±8 g m^–2 yr^–1. Mean annual production for the period analysed was 260+11 g m^–2 yr^–1. Mortality was similar to production, with a mean value of 253±3 g m^–2 yr^–1. Seasonal fine root biomass presented a cyclic behaviour, with higher values in autumn and winter and lower in spring and summer. Production was highest in winter, and mortality in spring. In summer, production and mortality values were the lowest for the year. Production values in autumn and spring were very similar. The vertical distribution of fine root biomass decreased with increasing depth except for the top 10–20 cm, where values were lower than immediately below. Production and mortality values were similar between 10 and 50 cm depth. In the 0–10 cm and the 50–60 cm depth intervals, both production and mortality were lower.     

不同林龄胡杨克隆繁殖根系分布特征及其构型

以中龄林和成熟林胡杨为研究对象,采用挖剖面和根窗的方法,研究胡杨繁殖根系分布、根系构型,以及胡杨根蘖与繁殖根系构型之间的关系。结果表明:(1)细根(d<2 mm)的根长密度、根表面积密度,随深度增加呈现指数函数分布;(2)中龄林细根的根长密度、根表面积密度在0—90 cm各层都是显著大于成熟林的对应指标(P<0.05),成熟林的中等粗根(5 mm0.05),且两种林龄的一级侧根数、分枝角度亦无显著差异(P>0.05);(5)对比两种林龄不同根序上的根蘖芽发现,二级根上不定芽个数均是同组一级根上不定芽个数的3—4倍;基于以上对胡杨根系的功能权衡的分析,得出:细根对胡杨根系构型有重要的影响,在胡杨根系功能权衡中扮演重要角色。     

宽窄行栽植模式下三倍体毛白杨根系分布特征及其与根系吸水的关系

采用剖面法对宽窄行栽植模式下三倍体毛白杨(triploid Populus tomentosa)的根系分布特征进行了研究;采用管式TDR系统对土壤剖面含水率变化动态进行了连续观测,并据此计算林木根系吸水速率,以探讨土壤含水率、根系分布和根系吸水分布之间的相关关系。研究结果表明:毛白杨的总平均根长密度在林带两侧和不同径向距离处非常接近(P>0.05);但在不同土层间变化很大(P<0.01),其中0-20和60-150 cm土层为根系主要分布区域,其根系所占比例共达86%;不同径阶间的根长密度差异显著(P<0.01),且其比例关系会随空间位置的改变而发生变化。不同栽植方位下,林带东侧毛白杨根系分布的浅层化程度高于西侧,且在径向240-280 cm内其0-0.5 mm的极细根显著多于西侧(P<0.05)。因此,宽窄行栽植模式下,深度和径阶是毛白杨根系分布的主要影响因子,而栽植方位会对其形态构型产生影响。毛白杨根系吸水模式受细根分布的影响,但会随土壤剖面水分有效性分布的变化而变化:当表土层水分有效性增加时,根系吸水主要集中在表土层;当表土层水分有效性降低时,深层土壤根系的吸水贡献率会逐渐增加;当土壤剖面水分条件异质性较高时,根系吸水主要集中在根系密度与水分有效性均较高的区域;当土壤剖面水分分布均匀且不存在水分胁迫时,根系吸水分布与细根分布最为一致。     

Fine root dynamics in a loblolly pine forest are influenced by free-air-CO2-enrichment: a six-year-minirhizotron study

Efforts to characterize carbon (C) cycling among atmosphere, forest canopy, and soil C pools are hindered by poorly quantified fine root dynamics. We characterized the influence of free‐air‐CO₂‐enrichment (ambient +200 ppm) on fine roots for a period of 6 years (Autumn 1998 through Autumn 2004) in an 18‐year‐old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantation near Durham, NC, USA using minirhizotrons. Root production and mortality were synchronous processes that peaked most years during spring and early summer. Seasonality of fine root production and mortality was not influenced by atmospheric CO₂ availability. Averaged over all 6 years of the study, CO₂ enrichment increased average fine root standing crop (+23%), annual root length production (+25%), and annual root length mortality (+36%). Larger increase in mortality compared with production with CO₂ enrichment is explained by shorter average fine root lifespans in elevated plots (500 days) compared with controls (574 days). The effects of CO₂‐enrichment on fine root proliferation tended to shift from shallow (0–15 cm) to deeper soil depths (15–30) with increasing duration of the study. Diameters of fine roots were initially increased by CO₂‐enrichment but this effect diminished over time. Averaged over 6 years, annual fine root NPP was estimated to be 163 g dw m^?2 yr^?1 in CO₂‐enriched plots and 130 g dw m^?2 yr^?1 in control plots (P= 0.13) corresponding to an average annual additional input of fine root biomass to soil of 33 g m^?2 yr^?1 in CO₂‐enriched plots. A lack of consistent CO₂× year effects suggest that the positive effects of CO₂ enrichment on fine root growth persisted 6 years following minirhizotron tube installation (8 years following initiation of the CO₂ fumigation). Although CO₂‐enrichment contributed to extra flow of C into soil in this experiment, the magnitude of the effect was small suggesting only modest potential for fine root processes to directly contribute to soil C storage in south‐eastern pine forests.     

Rapid root closure after fire limits fine root responses to elevated atmospheric CO2 in a scrub oak ecosystem in central Florida, USA

Elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) often stimulates the growth of fine roots, yet there are few reports of responses of intact root systems to long‐term CO₂ exposure. We investigated the effects of elevated CO₂ on fine root growth using open top chambers in a scrub oak ecosystem at Kennedy Space Center, Florida for more than 7 years. CO₂ enrichment began immediately after a controlled burn, which simulated the natural disturbance that occurs in this system every 10–15 years. We hypothesized that (1) root abundance would increase in both treatments as the system recovered from fire; (2) elevated CO₂ would stimulate root growth; and (3) elevated CO₂ would alter root distribution. Minirhizotron tubes were used to measure fine root length density (mm cm^?2) every three months. During the first 2 years after fire recovery, fine root abundance increased in all treatments and elevated CO₂ significantly enhanced root abundance, causing a maximum stimulation of 181% after 20 months. The CO₂ stimulation was initially more pronounced in the top 10 cm and 38–49 cm below the soil surface. However, these responses completely disappeared during the third year of experimental treatment: elevated CO₂ had no effect on root abundance or on the depth distribution of fine roots during years 3–7. The results suggest that, within a few years following fire, fine roots in this scrub oak ecosystem reach closure, defined here as a dynamic equilibrium between production and mortality. These results further suggest that elevated CO₂ hastens root closure but does not affect maximum root abundance. Limitation of fine root growth by belowground resources – particularly nutrients in this nutrient‐poor soil – may explain the transient response to elevated CO₂.     

不同土壤深度落叶松细根分解及N动态变化

细根分解受根序和土壤深度的潜在影响。使用根序法分根,将落叶松Larix gmelini根系分为两类:一级根、二级根为一类(1—2级根),即低级根;三级根和四级跟为另一类(3—4级根),即高级根。采用埋袋法对落叶松低级根和高级根在不同土壤深度(0—10、10—20 cm和20—30 cm)进行了为期862 d的分解实验,探讨不同根序细根分解规律,养分释放及其影响。结果表明:1—2级根的分解速率比3—4级分解速率慢,这种规律同时存在于不同深度的土壤中。在空间上,低级根和高级根的分解速率均随土壤深度的增加而降低,高级根的降低趋势更明显。随着分解时间的进行,各个土层之间的分解率在低级根之间差异更大。细根分解过程中,落叶松不同根序养分的释放特征不同。N释放速率总体上随细根根序增加而增大,随土壤深度的增加而降低。     

间伐对黄龙山油松中龄林细根空间分布和形态特征的影响

为探究油松细根生长与抚育间伐的关系,以黄龙山林区4种不同间伐强度(对照,轻度,中度,强度)下的油松人工中龄林为研究对象,采用根钻法,分3层(0—20,20—40,40—60cm)获取细根样品,研究了间伐强度对油松细根生物量和形态特征的影响。结果表明:油松细根生物量主要分布在0—20 cm土层,不同间伐强度下细根生物量差异显著(P0.05),随间伐强度的增大,细根生物量先升高后降低,强度间伐下0—20 cm土层细根生物量显著降低(P0.05),20—40 cm土层和40—60 cm土层细根生物量所占比例随间伐强度的增大而增大。细根根长密度和根表面积密度在不同间伐强度和不同土层间均差异显著(P0.05),且变化规律与生物量基本一致。细根比根长和比表面积随间伐强度的增加而增大,且强度间伐与其他强度呈显著性差异(P0.05)。轻度和中度间伐对小径级细根(0—1.0 mm)有显著影响,对较大径级细根(1.0—2.0 mm)的影响则不显著(P0.05),强度间伐对0—2.0mm的细根均有显著影响(P0.05)。中度间伐(保留郁闭度0.7)条件下,油松林地细根总生物量达到最大1022.43 g/m2,此条件下细根的根长密度和根表面积密度也达到最大,能充分利用林地的立地资源,最有利于保留木的生长。     

Competition in tree row agroforestry systems. 1. Distribution and dynamics of fine root length and biomass

Complementarity in the distribution of tree and crop root systems is important to minimise competition for resources whilst maximising resource use in agroforestry systems. A field study was conducted on a kaolinitic Oxisol in the sub-humid highlands of western Kenya to compare the distribution and dynamics of root length and biomass of a 3-year-old Grevillea robusta A. Cunn. ex R. Br. (grevillea) tree row and a 3-year-old Senna spectabilis DC. (senna) hedgerow grown with Zea mays L. (maize). Tree roots were sampled to a 300 cm depth and 525 cm distance from the tree rows, both before and after maize cropping. Maize roots were sampled at two distances from the tree rows (75–150 cm and 450–525 cm) to a maximum depth of 180 cm, at three developmental stages. The mean root length density (L_rv) of the trees in the upper 15 cm was 0.55 cm cm⁻³ for grevillea and 1.44 cm cm⁻³ for senna, at the start of the cropping season. The L_rv of senna decreased at every depth during the cropping season, whereas the L_rv of grevillea only decreased in the crop rooting zone. The fine root length of the trees decreased by about 35% for grevillea and 65% for senna, because of maize competition, manual weeding, seasonal senescence or pruning regime (senna). At anthesis, the L_rv of maize in the upper 15 cm was between 0.8 and 1.5 cm cm⁻³. Maize root length decreased with greater proximity to the tree rows, potentially reducing its ability to compete for soil resources. However, the specific root length (m g⁻¹) of maize was about twice that of the trees, so may have had a competitive uptake advantage even when tree root length was greater. Differences in maize fine root length and biomass suggest that competition for soil resources and hence fine root length may have been more important for maize grown with senna than grevillea. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

AM真菌对紫花苜蓿细根生长及其生物量动态特征的影响

细根对植物功能的发挥和土壤碳库及全球碳循环具有重要意义。采用容器法和微根管法于2013年6~10月整个生长季内对紫花苜蓿的细根生物量、生产以及周转规律进行研究。结果表明:(1)紫花苜蓿活细根现存生物量平均值以接种摩西球囊霉(Gm)处理最高(12.46g·m-2),未接种对照最低(7.31g·m-2),并且活细根现存量在9月中旬达到峰值;死细根现存生物量呈先增加后降低再增加的变化趋势,在整个生长过程中未接种处理高于接种处理,接种根内球囊霉(Gi)处理死细根现存平均生物量(3.11g·m-2)又较接种组其他处理低。(2)苜蓿植株细根生长量以接种幼套球囊霉(Ge)处理最大(0.045 mm·cm-2·d-1),接种Gm处理和未接种对照最低(均为0.027mm·cm-2·d-1);而未接菌植株细根死亡量(0.044mm·cm-2·d-1)显著高于接种植株,接种组又以Gi处理最低(0.021mm·cm-2·d-1)。(3)紫花苜蓿在生长季节内细根生产和死亡的高峰分别出现在8月底和10月份,低谷出现在9月底到10月中旬和6月底到8月;接种地表球囊霉(Gv)后细根现存量和年生长量显著高于对照和接种其他菌种处理,细根的周转以对照组最大,而接种Gv和Gm处理较低。研究发现,通过接种丛植菌根真菌可以提高苜蓿细根生物量,降低细根的死亡,增加细根寿命。     

不同氮素添加量对大兴安岭冻土区泥炭地植物细根形态的影响模拟研究

为探讨氮素营养环境变化对冻土区泥炭地植物细根形态的影响,在大兴安岭泥炭地开展了不同浓度氮素添加模拟试验,添加量分别为0 g N m^-2 a^-1（CK）、6 g N m^-2 a^-1（N1）、12 g N m^-2 a^-1（N2）和24 g N m^-2 a^-1（N3）。在2020年8月和9月,利用微根管技术观测泥炭地不同深度（0-20 cm、20-40 cm）土壤中的植物细根形态,应用WinRHIZO图像分析软件分析根系特征。结果表明,在表层土壤（0-20 cm）中植物细根的总根长、总表面积、总体积和根长密度随施氮量增加而增加,其中8月份N3处理下细根总根长、总表面积、总体积和根长密度显著高于其他处理（P< 0.05）,N2处理下细根总表面积、总体积显著高于对照组和N1处理;9月份N3处理下细根总根长和根长密度显著高于对照组,总表面积和总体积显著高于对照组和N1处理。说明高浓度氮素添加在一定程度上缓解了植物氮素限制,能够显著促进表层土壤（0-20 cm）中植物细根的生长,但对亚表层土壤（20-40 cm）中细根的影响幅度小于表层土壤。     

Influences of Root Diameter, Tree Age, Soil Depth and Season on Fine Root Survivorship in Prunus avium

The rapid turnover of the fine root system is a major pathway of carbon and nutrient flow from plant to soil in forest ecosystems. In order to quantify these fluxes there is a need to understand how fine root demography is influenced by edaphic, environmental and plant ontogenetic factors. We studied the influence of four major factors (season, depth, root diameter and tree age) on the survivorship and longevity of fine roots of Prunus avium L. (wild cherry) over two years in North East Scotland. Survival analysis of data derived from minirhizotron observations showed that, for the range of root diameters studied, an increase in root diameter of 0.1 mm was associated with a 16% decrease in the risk of death. Depth was also an important factor; roots present at a depth of 10 cm had significantly lower survivorship than did roots at all lower depths studied. The effects of tree age and season on root production were more complex. Roots of old trees were more likely to die in the spring and roots of young trees were more likely to die in the autumn. Our data illustrate the complex factors that must be taken into account when scaling up information from individual observations of root longevity to model the contribution of fine roots to C and nutrient fluxes in forest ecosystems.     

Estimation of fine root production, mortality and turnover with Minirhizotron in Larix gmelinii and Fraxinus mandshurica plantations

Fine root turnover is a major pathway for carbon and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. However, to estimate fine root turnover, it is important to first understand the fine root dynamic processes associated with soil resource availability and climate factors. The objectives of this study were: (1) to examine patterns of fine root production and mortality in different seasons and soil depths in the Larix gmelinii and Fraxinus mandshurica plantations, (2) to analyze the correlation of fine root production and mortality with environmental factors such as air temperature, precipitation, soil temperature and available nitrogen, and (3) to estimate fine root turnover. We installed 36 Minirhizotron tubes in six mono-specific plots of each species in September 2003 in the Mao’ershan Experimental Forest Station. Minirhizotron sampling was conducted every two weeks from April 2004 to April 2005. We calculated the average fine root length, annual fine root length production and mortality using image data of Minirhizotrons, and estimated fine root turnover using three approaches. Results show that the average growth rate and mortality rate in L. melinii were markedly smaller than in F. mandshurica, and were highest in the surface soil and lowest at the bottom among all the four soil layers. The annual fine root production and mortality in F. mandshurica were significantly higher than in L. gmelinii. The fine root production in spring and summer accounted for 41.7% and 39.7% of the total annual production in F. mandshurica and 24.0% and 51.2% in L. gmelinii. The majority of fine root mortality occurred in spring and summer for F. mandshurica and in summer and autumn for L. gmelinii. The turnover rate was 3.1 a⁻¹ for L. gmelinii and 2.7 a⁻¹ for F. mandshurica. Multiple regression analysis indicates that climate and soil resource factors together could explain 80% of the variations of the fine root seasonal growth and 95% of the seasonal mortality. In conclusion, fine root production and mortality in L. gmelinii and F. mandshurica have different patterns in different seasons and at different soil depths. Air temperature, precipitation, soil temperature and soil available nitrogen integratively control the dynamics of fine root production, mortality and turnover in both species. Transtlated from Journal of Plant Ecology, 2007, 31(2): 333–342 [译自: 植物生态学报]     

Biomass and distribution of fine and coarse roots from blue oak (Quercus douglasii) trees in the northern Sierra Nevada foothills of California

This research adds to the limited data on coarse and fine root biomass for blue oak (Quercus douglasii Hook and Arn.), a California deciduous oak species found extensively throughout the interior foothills surrounding the Central Valley. Root systems of six blue oak trees were analyzed using three methods — backhoe excavation, quantitative pits, and soil cores. Coarse root biomass ranged from 7 to 177 kg per tree. Rooting depth for the main root system ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 m, with an average of 70% of excavated root biomass located above 0.5 m. Of the total biomass in excavated central root systems, primary roots (including burls) accounted for 56% and large lateral roots (> 20 mm diameter) accounted for 36%. Data from cores indicated that most biomass outside of the root crown was located in fine roots and that fine root biomass decreased with depth. At surface depths (0–20 cm), small-fine (< 0.5 mm diameter) roots accounted for 71%, large-fine (0.5–2.0 mm) for 25%, and coarse (> 2 mm) for 4% of total root biomass collected with cores. Mean fine root biomass density in the top 50 cm was 0.43 kg m⁻³. Fine root biomass did not change with increasing distance from the trees (up to approximately 5 m). Thus, fine roots were not concentrated under the tree canopies. Our results emphasize the importance of the smallest size class of roots (<0.5 mm), which had both higher N concentration and, in the area outside the central root system, greater biomass than large fine (0.5–2.0 mm) or coarse (> 2.0 mm) roots. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effects of extracts of Alnus glutinosa seeds on growth of Frankia strain ArI3 under static and fermentor culture conditions

The amount of root mortality caused by root pathogens such as Phytophthora nicotianae (syn. Phytophthora parasitica) has typically been inferred from the net change in root length density in sequential soil cores. Because such measurements give information only on net changes in root populations, the actual rate of root turnover is often underestimated. We used minirhizotrons to track the fate of a large number of individual fine roots of mature field-grown citrus trees over a 6-month period. This method enabled us to examine the effect of P. nicotianae population levels on fine-root mortality. Seasonal and genotypic variation in patterns of citrus fine root mortality were associated with variation in population levels of P. nicotianae. Fine root lifespans were shorter when populations of P. nicotianae were high. Fine roots of the Phytophthora-susceptible rootstock, rough lemon (Citrus jamibhiri), had shorter median lifespans and supported larger populations of P. nicotianae than the fine roots of the more tolerant rootstock, Volkamer lemon (Citrus volkameriana). Rates of root mortality were either relatively constant for roots of all ages, or increased with age; the latter pattern was most pronounced for Volkamer lemon roots. Differences in the age-dependence of root mortality may, therefore, play a role in genotypic differences in tolerance of Phytophthora root rot by these two rootstocks. H Lambers Section editor