© 1998 Heron Publishing—Victoria, Canada
Differences in root longevity of some tree species
K. E. Black (1), C. G. Harbron (2), M. Franklin (2), D. Atkinson (1) and J. E. Hooker (3)
1. The Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, U.K. / 2. Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland (BioSS), Rowett Research Institute, Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9SB, U.K. / 3. Soil Biology Unit, Land Resources Department, SAC, Doig Scott Building, Craibstone Estate, Aberdeen AB21 9TQ, U.K. / Received December 7, 1995
Summary
Although the importance of root production and mortality to nutrient fluxes in ecosystems is widely recognized, the difficulties
associated with root measurements have limited the availability of reliable data. We have used minirhizotrons and image analysis
to measure root longevity of Prunus avium L., Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carrière, Acer pseudoplatanus L. and Populus × canadensis cv. Beaupre directly in cohorts of roots. Major differences in the longevity of roots among species were identified. For
example, 40% of Prunus avium roots but only 6% of Picea sitchensis roots survived for more than 14 days. Survival analysis of cohorts of roots of Prunus avium and Populus × canadensis revealed differences in the distribution of longevity among cohorts. Genetic, biotic and abiotic factors that may influence
longevity are discussed.
Keywords:
Acer pseudoplatanus, minirhizotrons, nutrient cycling, Picea sitchensis, Populus × canadensis cv. Beaupre, Prunus avium, survival analysis.
