Root dynamics in a salt marsh over three consecutive years |
| |
Authors: | W Steinke D J von Willert F A Austenfeld |
| |
Institution: | (1) Institut für Ökologie der Pflanzen, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Hindenburgplatz 55, D-48 143 Münster, Germany |
| |
Abstract: | The minirhizotron technique has been used to study root development in a salt marsh in the western part of the Nationalpark Niedersächsisches Wattenmeer during a three-year period. The objective of our study was to evaluate root depth distribution and seasonal changes in growth activities of natural plant root systems. Root number was counted at monthly intervals in the top soil layer (0–0.2 m) for every 2 cm soil depth. The number of roots was regarded as an easily detectable parameter reflecting root growth and decay.In general, highest rooting intensity was found in the soil's subsurface layer (0–0.08 m). The number of roots significantly decreased in deeper horizons of the soil. There was also a significant increase and decrease in the number of roots in the course of a year. The highest rooting intensity was found in late winter to early spring, which substantially decreased towards mid summer when the plants were in their reproductive phase. The data indicate that there is a clear seasonal pattern of root growth of salt marsh species. |
| |
Keywords: | minirhizotron root depth distribution root dynamics salt marsh |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |