Fine-root Production and Turnover in a Willow Plantation Estimated by Different Calculation Methods

ISSN： 0282-7581

Source： Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research, Vol.14, Iss.6, 1999-12, pp. : 526-537

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Abstract

Fine-root production and turnover were estimated in a short-rotation stand of basket willow (Salix viminalis L.) in central Sweden. Different calculation methods, based on soil coring, or combinations of soil coring and minirhizotron technique, were used. Fine-root biomass production and mortality in the 0-50 cm soil horizon were estimated at 900-7200 kg ha^-1 yr^-1 and 500-6800 kg ha^-1 yr^-1, respectively, depending on the method used. Corresponding values for production and mortality of fine-root length per unit soil volume were 160-1600 dm dm^-3 yr^-1 and 40-1500 dm dm^-3 yr^-1, respectively. Methods based on soil coring alone gave the lowest estimates, and probably underestimated production and mortality, since both processes to a high degree occurred simultaneously in the willow plantation. Thus, this study emphasizes the necessity to separate the processes of growth and decay where high fine-root turnover occurs.