Variation in root morphology amongst tree species influences soil hydraulic conductivity and macroporosity

Webb, B.; Robinson, David A.; Marshall, Miles R.; Ford, Hilary; Pagella, Tim; Healey, John R.; Smith, Andrew R.

doi:10.1016/j.geoderma.2022.116057

Cited by 9 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…In the field, the permeability coefficient of type I was higher than that of types II and III. This inconsistency with the results of this study is mainly due to changes in the experimental environment [52]. Nonetheless, other studies have shown that both low-density and high-density fine roots (<1 mm) tend to decrease the saturated permeability coefficient, while thick roots (D > 2 mm) tend to increase the saturated permeability coefficient [53].…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

Experimental Investigation of Water Infiltration Law in Loess with Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) Roots

Gu,

Zhang

et al. 2024

Agronomy

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Physical model experiments are increasingly applied in the study of the water infiltration law in loess with roots. In the past, due to differences in study objects and the limitations of measuring techniques, the infiltration law in loess with roots is rarely evaluated by using appropriate indoor physical model experimental data. In order to investigate the law of water infiltration in loess with roots, we designed a new soil column experimental device that can automatically collect data and images. By comparing the soil column experiment data of loess, we analyzed variables in root contents (the ratio of root mass to dry soil mass) and root types. Roots with diameters of 0–2 mm, 2–5 mm, and 5–10 mm are defined as type I, type II, and type III, respectively. It was found that the water infiltration rate, water-holding capacity, and saturated permeability coefficient increase with the increase in root content. In loess containing different root types, the root types were found to improve the rate of water infiltration, water-holding capacity, and saturated permeability coefficient in the soil. The root types were ranked in descending order in terms of their impact: root type II had the highest improvement, followed by root type III, and then root type I. The phenomenon of circumferential flow existed when water infiltrated loess with roots. Root content and root type would affect the radius of circumferential flow, infiltration path, and cross-section. When calculating the saturated permeability coefficient of loess with roots, ignoring the effect of circumferential flow would lead to a higher result.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

Experimental Investigation of Water Infiltration Law in Loess with Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) Roots

Gu,

Zhang

et al. 2024

Agronomy

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“…The ash roots were significantly longer, and had higher surface areas and diameters. Webb et al [42], in examining how the diversity of root morphology between tree species affected the hydrological properties of soils, found that ash, as a species, could be distinguished by the morphological features of its roots. According to these authors, ash has a great potential for improving the hydrological properties of forest soils because of its roots.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The impact of root systems and their exudates in different tree species on soil properties and microorganisms in a temperate forest ecosystem

Staszel-Szlachta,

Lasota,

Szlachta

et al. 2024

BMC Plant Biol

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Background The species composition of tree stands plays an important role in shaping the properties of forest soils. The aim of our research was to determine the influence on soil properties of the root systems of six species of trees which form forest stands in the temperate climatic zone. The research covered areas including six tree species – Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), European larch (Larix deciduas Mill.), English oak (Quercus robur L.), English ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.), European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.). In our study, we determined the characteristics of the roots and the amount of carbon excreted alongside their exudates. Enzymatic activity, and the composition and diversity of the fungi and bacteria, were also determined in addition to the basic physicochemical properties of the soil samples. Results A strong relationship between the root characteristics and soil properties, including the pH, basic cation content and phosphorus content, was confirmed. In addition, the enzymatic activity of phosphatase, β-glucosidase, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase and β-D-cellobiosidase were positively correlated with the root characteristics. The study on soil bacteria across different tree species revealed Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota to be the most abundant phylum. Fungal analysis showed Basidiomycota and Ascomycota as the dominant phyla. Ascomycota dominated in hornbeam and oak soils. Mortierellomycota was remarkably more present in pine soil. Conclusions This analysis of root systems and soil properties confirmed the distinctness of ash stands, which were also more abundant in various microorganisms. It was also found that soils affected by different tree species were characterised by varied fungal and bacterial composition. The ash had particularly beneficial impact on soil microbiota.

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“…The root depth can vary with plant species, soil types and environmental conditions, but it is usually not deeper than 30 cm. Some herbaceous plants may form a fine root network affecting soil structure in the upper soil through rhizomes or shallow roots (Webb et al 2022). The roots of shrubs are generally between the roots of trees and herbaceous plants in depth.…”

Section: Biological Factorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Soil pore structure and its research methods: A review

Wang,

Zhang

2024

Soil Water Res.

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Soil pore is an important part of soil structure. According to the causes of formation, soil pores can be divided into biological pores formed by animal movement and plant root development and non-biological pores formed by dry-wet and freeze-thaw alternation or artificial tillage. The soil pore structure affects the migration of water, gas, nutrients and so on in the soil, especially the macropores can also produce water or solute preferential migration. Studying soil pores is of great significance for predicting soil hydraulic properties, reducing groundwater pollution and soil nutrient loss. Based on previous studies on soil pore structure, this paper systematically summarized the role of soil pores, influencing factors and the advantages and disadvantages of various research methods. This paper not only introduces traditional methods (including direct and indirect methods), but also summarizes the new research on soil pores combined with computed tomography (CT) technology and other science and technology in recent years. Finally, the prospect and development trend of soil pore research in the future were predicted, so as to provide reference for further research on soil pore structure.

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Variation in root morphology amongst tree species influences soil hydraulic conductivity and macroporosity

Cited by 9 publications

References 38 publications

Experimental Investigation of Water Infiltration Law in Loess with Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) Roots

Experimental Investigation of Water Infiltration Law in Loess with Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) Roots

The impact of root systems and their exudates in different tree species on soil properties and microorganisms in a temperate forest ecosystem

Soil pore structure and its research methods: A review

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