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.     

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.     

Fine root demography in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

In perennial forages like alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), repeated herbage removal may alter root production and mortality which, in turn, could affect deposition of fixed N in soil. Our objective was to determine the extent and patterns of fine-diameter root production and loss during the year of alfalfa stand establishment. The experiment was conducted on a loamy sand soil (Udorthentic Haploboroll) in Minnesota, USA, using horizontally installed minirhizotrons placed directly under the seeded rows at 10, 20, and 40 cm depths in four replicate blocks. We seeded four alfalfa germplasms that differed in N₂ fixation capacity and root system architecture: Agate alfalfa, a winter hardy commercially-available cultivar; Ineffective Agate, which is a non-N₂-fixing near isoline of Agate; a new germplasm that has few fibrous roots and strong tap-rooted traits; and a new germplasm that has many fibrous roots and a strongly branched root system architecture. Video images collected biweekly throughout the initial growing season were processed using C-MAP-ROOTS software.More than one-half of all fine roots in the upper 20 cm were produced during the first 7 weeks of growth. Root production was similar among germplasms, except that the highly fibrous, branch-rooted germplasm produced 29% more fine roots at 20 cm than other germplasms. In all germplasms, about 7% of the fine roots at each depth developed into secondarily thickened roots. By the end of the first growing season, greatest fine root mortality had occurred in the uppermost depth (48%), and least occurred at 40 cm (36%). Survival of contemporaneous root cohorts was not related to soil depth in a simple fashion, although all survivorship curves could be described using only five rates of exponential decline. There was a significant reduction in fine root mortality before the first herbage harvest, followed by a pronounced loss (average 22%) of fine roots at the 10- and 20-cm depths in the 2-week period following herbage removal. Median life spans of these early-season cohorts ranged from 58 to 131 days, based on fitted exponential equations. At all depths, fine roots produced in the 4 weeks before harvest (early- to mid-August) tended to have shorter median life spans than early-season cohorts. Similar patterns of fine root mortality did not occur at the second harvest. Germplasms differed in the pattern, but not the ultimate extent, of fine root mortality. Fine root turnover during the first year of alfalfa establishment in this experiment released an estimated 830 kg C ha^–1 and 60 kg N ha^–1, with no differences due to N₂ fixation capacity or root system architecture.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phthalic acid esters in the soil-radish (Raphanus sativus) system with sewage sludge and compost application

We studied the accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in a latosolic red soil and radish (Raphanus sativus) with application of sewage sludge at rates of 10, 20 and 40 g kg(-1) soil or compost at rate of 10 g kg(-1) soil. In radish the concentrations of individual PAHs and PAEs varied from non-detectable to 803 microg kg(-1) dry weight (d.w.) and from non-detectable to 2048 microg kg(-1) d.w., respectively. Compared to the control, higher application rates of sewage sludge resulted in pronounced increases in shoot, root and soil concentrations of PAHs and PAEs. PAE concentrations in radish grown in soil spiked with sludge compost were higher while the PAH concentrations were comparable to those receiving 10 g kg(-1) of sewage sludge. However, the root biomass of radish in soil amended with compost was significantly higher and the shoot-to-root ratio was significantly lower than in the other treatments. The bioconcentration factors (BCFs, the ratio of contaminant concentration in plant tissue to the soil concentration) of di-n-butyl phthalate and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in both shoots and roots and of total PAH concentrations in roots were less than 1.0, but some BCFs for individual PAHs were high with a maximum value of 80.     

黄土丘陵半干旱区密植枣林随树龄变化的根系空间分布特征

该文研究了黄土丘陵半干旱区密植枣( Ziziphus jujuba ‘Lizao’)林群体根系随树龄变化的空间分布特征。对1年生、4年生、8年生和11年生4种树龄的密植枣林采用剖面法, 获得0-1 m土壤剖面上直径>3 mm、1-3 mm及<1 mm的根系数量和空间位置信息。利用方差分析, 评价了山地密植枣林林分根系随树龄变化的水平和垂直分布特征。结果表明: 3种直径的根系数量均随着树龄的增长而增加, 直径< 1 mm的根系增长速度最快; 随着土层加深, 根系数量递减, 1年生枣林的根系主要聚集在0-40 cm土层中, 4年生及以上树龄的根系主要分布在0-60 cm土层中; 0-1 m土层内, 1年生枣林(株距1.2 m)及4年以上树龄(株距2 m), 同树龄枣林中直径<1 mm的根系水平分布无差异; 同一土层中(0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, 40-60 cm), 无论树龄大小及离树干的水平位置如何, 不同直径根系的数量都无差异。研究表明: 在有水肥管理措施的条件下, 枣林根系垂直方向形成浅层型的适应模式; 在密植环境下, 枣林细根形成根网型的适应模式。     

基于森林调查数据的长白山天然林森林生物量相容性模型

森林生物量估算是进行陆地生态系统碳循环和碳动态分析的基础,但现有估测模型存在着总量与分量不相容的问题.本文以吉林省汪清天然林区为例,提出了基于森林调查的相容性森林生物量模型设计思想,并采用联立方程组为不同森林群落构造了一系列引入林分蓄积因子的相容性生物量模型,得到的预估精度较高.其中,针叶林、阔叶林和针阔混交林群落的森林生物量模型预估精度均在95%以上,基本上解决了森林生物量模型的相容性问题.     

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。     

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)。     

三峡库区马尾松根系生物量的空间分布

以三峡库区主要植被马尾松人工林为研究对象,用内径为10 cm的根钻,分别在马尾松中龄林、近熟林和成熟林内,据树干0.5、1.0、1.5 m和2.0 m处设置取样点,各样点按0-10、10-20、20-30、30-40、40-60 cm将土壤分为5个垂直层次,对马尾松根系的空间分布格局进行调查。结果表明:(1)三峡库区马尾松总根系生物量(0-10 mm)为中龄林(4.72 t/hm²)显著高于成熟林(2.94 t/hm²)和近熟林(2.40 t/hm²)(P<0.05)。细根(0-2 mm)生物量随年龄增加而递减,差异不显著(P>0.05);(2)马尾松3个林龄中根系生物量表现出一定的水平分布特征,但具体趋势表现各异,细根生物量最大值均出现在距离样木1.0 m处;(3)细根主要分布在土壤上层,其中47.53%-71.73%的活细根集中在0-20 cm土壤深度内,且随土层的加深,其生物量明显减少。粗根(2-10 mm)则主要分布于20-60 cm土层范围内;(4)根系直径越小,受环境变化越明显。马尾松细根生物量分布主要受土壤深度的影响,树龄和不同水平距离对细根分布格局影响不显著(P>0.05),各因素对粗根生物量的影响均未达到显著水平(P>0.05)。     

中亚热带杉木人工林细根生物量空间变异与取样数量估算

林木细根生物量具有一定的空间异质性,因此采用合理的细根取样策略对精确估算细根生物量十分重要。通过在福建省三明杉木人工林林内采用土钻法随机选取100个取样点,分析不同细根类型(杉木、林下植被、总细根)生物量的空间变异特征,并对细根生物量所需的取样数量进行估计。结果表明:不同细根类型单位面积生物量随径级(0—1、1—2 mm)及土层深度的增加变异增大,所需的取样数量也相应增加。Shapiro-Wilk检验表明,仅0—2 mm杉木细根和总细根单位面积生物量符合正态分布,其余各个细根类型不同径级不同土层单位面积生物量均不符合正态分布,均呈明显的右偏分布。蒙特卡罗统计模拟分析表明:在置信水平为95%、精度为80%的条件下,直径为0—1 mm、1—2 mm和0—2 mm的细根,杉木采集95、96、32个样品可以满足测定单位面积生物量的需要,林下植被分别采集98、98、63个样品可以满足测定单位面积生物量的需要,而总细根分别采集93、93、18个样品可以满足测定单位面积生物量的需要。     

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.     

人工混交林中杉木、桤木和刺楸细根养分迁移的初步研究

比较分析了杉木 桤木和杉木 刺楸混交林中杉木、桤木和刺楸活细根、死细根的N、P、K含量 .结果表明 ,桤木细根N迁移能力较强 ,刺楸较弱 ,杉木细根N不迁移 ;P在桤木和刺楸细根中迁移能力较强 ,而在杉木细根中基本不迁移 ;3个树种细根脱落前都将K迁移回树体内 .比较分析 2个混交林中活细根N、P、K在树种间的差异 ,发现在杉木 桤木混交林中桤木根部N可能向杉木迁移 ,而在杉木 刺楸混交林中刺楸根部K可能向杉木根部迁移 ,但迁移机制还有待于从根 土界面生态过程进行研究     

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.     

Response of fine roots to an experimental gap in a boreal Picea abies forest

We examined the initial response of the quantity and distribution of fine roots to the creation of an experimental canopy gap with a diameter of 50 m in a mature managed Norway spruce forest. Under the canopy, the fine root length densities of trees, shrubs, and grasses and herbs were 3207, 707 and 2738 m m^–2, respectively. The fine root biomass of trees, shrubs, and grasses and herbs were 182, 47 and 52 g m^–2, respectively. Two growing seasons after gap creation hardly any fine tree roots were found in the middle part of the gap. The living tree roots in the gap edge zone were mainly located within a 5-m distance from the standing edge trees. The indices developed here to show the influence of trees on fine root lenght density clearly revealed the effect of the vicinity of living trees on fine root lenght density. The root densities of grasses, herbs and dwarf shrubs did not show a clear response to gap creation despite the increase of their foliage. Our results suggest that in boreal spruce forests a gap disturbance creates a distinct tree root gap and that the gap edge trees do not extend their root systems rapidly into the formed root gap.     

Coarse root spatial distribution determined using a ground-penetrating radar technique in a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest, China

Coarse roots play a critical role in forest ecosystems and both abiotic and biotic factors affect their spatial distribution. To some extent, coarse root density may reflect the quantity of root biomass and biotic competition in forests. However, using traditional methods (e.g., excavation) to study coarse roots is challenging, because those methods are time-consuming and laborious. Furthermore, these destructive methods cannot be repeated in the same forests. Therefore, the discovery of non-destructive methods for root studies will be very significant. In this study, we used a ground-penetrating radar technique to detect the coarse root density of three habitats (ridge, slope and valley) and the dominant tree species (Castanopsis eyrei and Schima superba) in a subtropical forest. We found that (i) the mean of coarse root density for these three habitats was 88.04 roots m^?2, with roots being mainly distributed at depths of 0–40 cm. Coarse root densities were lower in deeper soils and in areas far from the trunk. (ii) Coarse root densities differed significantly among the three habitats studied here with slope habitat having the lowest coarse root density. Compared with S. superba, C. eyrei had more roots distributed in deeper soils. Furthermore, coarse roots with a diameter >3 cm occurred more frequently in the valleys, compared with root densities in ridge and slope habitats, and most coarse roots occurred at soil depths of 20–40 cm. (iii) The coarse root density correlated negatively with tree species richness at soil depths of 40–60 cm. The abundances of the dominant species, such as C. eyrei, Cyclobalanopsis glauca, Pinus massoniana, had significant impacts on coarse root density. (iv) The soil depth of 0–40 cm was the “basic distribution layer” for coarse roots since the majority of coarse roots were found in this soil layer with an average root density of 84.18 roots m^?2, which had no significant linear relationships with topography, tree species richness, rarefied tree species richness and tree density. Significant relationships between coarse root density and these factors were found at the soil depth of 40–60 cm, which was the “potential distribution layer” for coarse root distribution.     

Sieve size effects on root length and biomass measurements of maize (Zea mays) and Grevillea robusta

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different mesh sizes on the recovery of root length and biomass and to determine whether the degree of recovery was influenced by plant species and sample location. Sieves of 2.0, 1.0, 0.5 and 0.25 mm (4.0, 1.0, 0.25 and 0.06 mm2) mesh sizes were used to recover and measure the root length and biomass of Zea mays L. (maize) at 0–15 cm and 30–45 cm depths and of Grevillea robusta A. Cunn. ex R. Br. (grevillea) at the same depths 1.0 m and 4.5 m from a line of grevillea trees. At 0–15 cm, the coarser sieves (sum collected with 2.0 and 1.0 mm sieves) recovered approximately 80% of the total root biomass measured, but only 60% of the root length. The proportion of total maize root length and biomass recovered by the coarser sieves decreased with soil depth. The proportion of total grevillea root length recovered by the coarser sieves was similar at the two soil depths, but increased slightly with distance from the tree line. The ≥ 0.5 mm sieves recovered between 93 and 96% of grevillea and maize root biomass and between 73 and 98% of their root length, depending on the sample location. Roots passing through the 0.5 mm sieve, but recovered by the 0.25 mm sieve were about 20% of total maize root length and grevillea root length at 1.0 m from the tree line but < 5% of the total grevillea root length at 4.5 m from the tree. Roots passing through the 0.5 mm sieve but recovered by the 0.25 mm sieve contributed only slightly to root biomass. Although the ≥ 0.5 mm sieves provided adequate measurements of root biomass, the ≥ 0.25 mm sieves were required for accurate measurement of fine root length. There was no universal correction for root length and biomass underestimation when large sieve sizes were used because the proportions of length and biomass recovered depended on the plant species and on soil depth and distance from the plant. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

欧美108杨细根形态及垂直分布对水氮耦合措施的响应

合理高效的水肥集约经营是有效地提高速生丰产林生产力的重要途径。细根是植物吸收水肥和维持生长的主要器官, 了解细根形态及其分布对水肥耦合措施的响应机制有助于解释树木生长和吸收水肥能力的差异性。该文基于水氮耦合措施对欧美108杨(Populus × euramericana ‘Guariento’)幼林表土层(0–30 cm)细根形态及分布的影响研究, 在连续两年的水氮管理后, 开展了欧美108杨0–60 cm土层细根形态及垂直分布对水氮耦合响应的研究。田间设计3个灌溉水平(灌溉土壤水势起始阈值为–75 kPa、–50 kPa、–25 kPa)和3个养分水平(施N 150 g·tree^–1·a^–1、300 g·tree^–1·a^–1、450 g·tree^–1·a^–1), 组合成9个水氮耦合处理, 另设1个对照处理(CK)。研究结果表明: (1)垂直方向上, 各处理细根生物量密度、表面积和平均直径均表现为10–20 cm土层最大(该层生物量密度占0–60 cm土层总生物量的27%–37%), 随后在30–60 cm土层逐层递减; 根长密度则随土壤深度的加深而逐层递减, 0–10 cm土层显著大于其他土层(该层根长密度占0–60 cm土层总根长密度的33%–45%)。(2) 6个土层的细根生物量密度、根长密度和平均直径均表现为高水高氮(D3F3)和中水高氮(D2F3) 2个处理间差异不显著, 但均显著高于其他处理, 其中, D3F3处理6个土层生物量密度是对照的3.12–47.74倍; 细根表面积则是D3F3处理显著高于其他处理, 是CK的4.36–30.57倍。(3)连续的水氮耦合管理措施不会改变细根的垂直分布格局(各处理均具有与CK一致的分布格局), 但在第二个生长季, 欧美108杨细根的整体分布随着林龄的增加趋于深层化; 另外, 中水高氮的耦合处理也可有效地促进细根的生长, 这种水氮需求水平与第一个生长季内需高水高氮才可显著促进其生长的特性不同。欧美108杨细根在第2个生长季主要分布于0–20 cm土层, 9个水氮耦合处理中, 除低水低氮处理外, 其他处理各细根形态指标值均显著高于CK, 这种差异性在浅土层更为显著, 而在深土层表现出相对较小的差异。当灌溉量一定时(尤其中、高灌溉水平), 增加施氮量可显著促进细根生长, 但当施氮量一定时(尤其低、中氮水平), 增加灌溉量对细根生长的促进效果不显著, 即欧美108杨细根生长趋肥性强于向水性。     

遮荫对水曲柳幼苗细根衰老的影响

细根周转对森林生态系统碳地下分配和养分循环具有重要影响,而衰老是细根周转过程中最重要的阶段。根据“源-汇”理论,细根衰老受碳向细根分配的影响。为此,该研究通过控制水曲柳(Fraxinus mandshurica)苗木向根系的碳分配的遮荫处理试验,采用树木生理分析技术,重点研究了在光合产物供应停止情况下水曲柳幼苗根系的生理变化(即根尖、1级根到3级根的细胞活力、可溶性糖含量、可溶性蛋白含量和膜透性的变化)。目的是从生理水平上证实:1)碳分配对细根衰老产生怎样的影响;2)细根衰老的顺序是否与分支顺序相反。实验结果表明,遮荫处理使细根活力、可溶性糖含量、可溶性蛋白含量显著降低和膜透性增大,导致细根出现明显衰老。从根系顶端向基部随着根序增加,细胞活力、可溶性糖含量和可溶性蛋白含量提高,膜透性降低,从生理水平上表明细根衰老具有逐渐变化的顺序性,并且这种顺序性与根发育的顺序性相反。     

Seasonal patterns of fine root demography in a cool-temperate deciduous forest in central Japan

In forest ecosystems, fine roots have a considerable role in carbon cycling. To investigate the seasonal pattern of fine root demography, we observed the fine root production and decomposition processes using a minirhizotron system in a Betula-dominated forest with understory evergreen dwarf bamboo. The length density of fine roots decreased with increasing soil depth. The seasonal patterns of each fine root demographic parameter (length density of visible roots, rates of stand-total fine root production and decomposition) were almost the same at different soil depths. The peak seasons of the fine root demographic parameters were observed in the order: stand-total fine root production rate (late summer) > length density of the visible roots (early autumn) > stand-total fine root decomposition rate (autumn, and a second small peak in spring). The fine root production rate was high in the latter part of the plant growing season. Fine root production peaked in late summer and remained high until the end of the tree defoliation season. The higher stand-total fine root production rate in autumn suggests the effect of understory evergreen bamboo on the stand-total fine root demography. The stand-total fine root decomposition rate was high in late autumn. In the snow-cover period, the rates of both fine root production and decomposition were low. The fine root demographic parameters appeared to show seasonal patterns. The fine root production rate had a clearer seasonality than the fine root decomposition rate. The seasonal pattern of stand-total fine root production rate could be explained by both overstory and understory above-ground productivities.