Morphology, biomass and nutrient status of fine roots of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) as influenced by seasonal fluctuations in soil moisture and soil solution chemistry

Abstract

A field monitoring study was carried out to follow the changes of fine root morphology, biomass and nutrient status in relation to seasonal changes in soil solution chemistry and moisture regime in a mature Scots pine stand on acid soil. Seasonal and yearly fluctuations in soil moisture and soil solution chemistry have been observed. Changes in soil moisture accounted for some of the changes in the soil solution chemistry. The results showed that when natural acidification in the soil occurs with low pH (3.5-4.2) and high aluminium concentration in the soil solution (>3-10 mg l −1 ), fine root longevity and distribution could be affected. However, fine root growth of Scots pine may not be negatively influenced by adverse soil chemical conditions if soil moisture is not a limiting factor for root growth. In contrast, dry soil conditions increase Scots pine susceptibility to soil acidification and this could significantly reduce fine root growth and increase root mortality. It is therefore important to study seasonal fluctuations of the environmental variables when investigating and modelling cause-effect relationships.

Does low soil base saturation affect fine root properties of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.)?

“…In particular, a higher necromass is attributed to the fact that fine root systems on acidic and poor sites have a higher mortality rate (Leuschner et al 2004). In addition, fine roots from soils with a low BS may have a decreased longevity due to nutrient deficiencies (low BS) and/or Al 3+ toxicity, as observed by Vanguelova et al (2005) in a Scots pine stand. Nevertheless, Gaudinski et al (2001) showed an increase in the age of fine roots measured by radiocarbon with increasing depth (4-6 years at 0-15 cm depth and 15-18 years at 15-30 cm depth), which may also explain the increased live/dead ratio with increasing depth.…”

“…Commonly used fine root properties to assess the 'vitality' of the fine roots are the amount of biomass, necromass, and live/dead ratio, as well as the productivity and mortality of the fine roots. It has often been reported that forests growing on acidic sites have a higher fine root density and fine root mass of both bio-and necromass than forests growing on less acidic sites (Godbold et al 2003;Jentschke et al 2001;Vanguelova et al 2005). In particular, a higher necromass is attributed to the fact that fine root systems on acidic and poor sites have a higher mortality rate (Leuschner et al 2004).…”

“…The O 2 -consumption was also lower at very low BS, as was the Ca/Al molar ratio of the fine root tissue. This ratio shows not only a direct interference of Al with nutrient accumulation in fine roots (Nygaard and de Wit 2004;Vanguelova et al 2005), but it may also be the result of the fine root system being reduced as the organ for nutrient uptake (see decreased RTA, RBA and SRL; Rengel 1992). In the study of Yamamoto et al (2002) the O 2 -consumption of cultured tobacco cells was also decreased with increasing Al 3+ in the cultivation medium.…”

“…One first approach is to analyse the occurrence of fine roots. In acidified soils the mass of living fine roots is decreased and that of dead fine roots is increased, and, thus, the turnover rates are influenced (Jentschke et al 2001;Godbold et al 2003;Leuschner et al 2004;Vanguelova et al 2005). A second approach is to study fine root morphology (Clemensson-Lindell and Persson 1995;Godbold et al 2003).…”

The development of an approach to assess critical loads of acidity for woodland habitats in Great Britain

“…The application of rock phosphate as part of good forestry management practice (Taylor, 1991) may provide an additional buffer and therefore reduce managed woodland habitat sensitivity to acidification. In the long-term, continuing acidic inputs could result in reduced productivity on mineral soils as a result of aluminium toxicity (Vanguelova et al, 2004) or the development of nutrient imbalances or deficiencies, particularly of base cations. While there is some information on the potential impact of low pH on non-forest ecosystems developed on organic and peaty soils, the published evidence is less clear for woodlands developed on such soils.…”