Spatial Distribution of Fine-Root Growth, Mortality and Decomposition in a Young Scots Pine Stand in Central Sweden

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The spatial distribution of fine-root growth, mortality and decomposition, in a 15-20 yr old Scotch pine P. sylvestris, stand at Ivantjarnsheden in central sweden was investigated by core sampling during an entire growth period. Since both the fine-root biomass and necromass (diameter < 2 mm) of the most important species.sbd.P. sylvestris, Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium vitis-idaea.sbd.varied considerably during the season, pooled averages of 26, 50 and 49 g/m2 and 68, 18 and 40 g/m2, respectively, were calculated for the total study period. Both the fine-root and coarse-root (diameter 2- < 10 mm) biomass and necromass of P. sylvestris decreased slowly with increased distance from the nearest tree. The annual turnover of the fine roots of P. sylvestris, C. vulgaris and V. vitis-idaea was estimated to 35, 34 and 135 g/m2, respectively, in the F/H layer and to 183, 42 and 57 g/m2, respectively, in the mineral soil. The largest supply of dead P. sylvestris fine roots went to the mineral soil, whereas that of the superficially distributed dwarf shrubs ended up in the F/H layer.