Root systems of nearly all trees in the built environment are subject to impacts of human activities that can affect tree health and reduce longevity. These influences are present from early stages of nursery development and throughout the life of the tree. Reduced root systems from root loss or constriction can reduce stability and increase stress. Natural infection of urban tree roots after severing has not been shown to lead to extensive decay development. Roots often conflict with infrastructure in urban areas because of proximity. Strategies to provide root space under pavements and to reduce pavement heaving have been developed, but strategies for prevention of foundation and sewer pipe damage are limited to increasing separation or improved construction.
The physical, chemical, and biological constraints of urban soils often pose limitations for the growth of tree roots. An understanding of the interrelationships of soil properties is important for proper management. As a result of the interdependence of soil properties, the status of one soil factor can have an effect on all others. Preventing soil damage is most effective and preferred. Cultural practices, such as cultivation and mulching, can be effective in improving soil properties. Soil additives, such as biostimulant products, have not proven to be consistently effective through research. The management challenge is to provide an urban environment that functions like the natural environment.
Abstract. This paper demonstrates the development of a simple model of carbon flow during plant growth. The model was developed by six undergraduate students and their instructor as a project in a plant ecophysiology course. The paper describes the structure of the model including the equations that were used to implement it in Excel R , the plant growth experiments that were conducted to obtain information for parameterizing and testing the model, model performance, student responses to the modeling project, and potential uses of the model by other students.
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