Abstract
Fine root dynamics and root architecture were studied in the organic and mineral soil layers of a Cryptomeria japonica plantation. Fine root biomass (<1 mm) showed seasonal changes whereas fine root biomass (1–2 mm) was unchanged over the study period. Root tips were grouped into size classes based on root tip diameter, including <0.5, 0.5–1, and 1–2 mm. Root tip density (<1 mm) was significantly correlated with fine root biomass (<1 mm). Root tip density and fine root biomass (<1 mm) increased in summer and decreased in winter, and both showed a similar seasonal pattern. Root tip dynamics influenced fine root dynamics. Root architecture as expressed by branching intensity changed with root tip production and mortality. Branching intensity also showed a similar seasonal pattern of root tip density dynamics. Root tips of both <0.5 and 0.5–1 mm were mainly produced in the organic soil layer, while root tips of 0.5–1 mm were mainly produced in the mineral soil layer. Because of the high RT1 root tip production in the organic soil layer, branching intensity was higher in the organic soil than in the mineral soil layer during summer. Root tip dynamics influenced fine root dynamics and the architecture of root systems in both organic and mineral soil layers.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Comas LH, Eissenstat DM (2009) Patterns in root trait variation among 25 co-existing North American forest species. New Phytol 182:919–928
Eissenstat DM, Yanai RD (1997) The ecology of root lifespan. Adv Ecol Res 27:1–60
Enoki T, Kawaguchi H, Iwatsubo G (1996) Topographic variations of soil properties and stand structure in a Pinus thunbergii plantation. Ecol Res 11:299–309
Forest Soil Division (1976) Classification of forest soil in Japan 1975. Bull Gov For Exp Sta 280:1–28 (in Japanese with English summary)
Hishi T (2007) Heterogeneity of individual roots within the fine root architecture: Causal links between physiological and ecosystem functions. J For Res 12:126–133
Hishi T, Takeda H (2005) Life cycles of individual roots in fine root system of Chamaecyparis obtusa Sieb. et Zucc. J. For. Res. 10:181–187
Joslin JD, Gaudinski JB, Torn MS, Riley WJ, Hanson PJ (2006) Fine-root turnover patterns and their relationship to root diameter and soil depth in a C14-labeled hardwood forest. New Phytol 172:523–535
Kasuya N, Shimada H (1996) Changes in the fine root biomass of Cryptomeria japonica in relation to position on a slope. Bull Kyoto Pref Univ For 40:1–12 (in Japanese with English summary)
King JS, Albaugh TJ, Allen HL, Buford M, Strain BR, Dougherty PD (2002) Below-ground carbon input to soil is controlled by nutrient availability and fine root dynamics in loblolly pine. New Phyttol 154:389–398
Konôpka B, Noguchi K, Sakata T, Takahashi M, Konôpková Z (2006) Fine root dynamics in a Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) plantation throughout the growing season. For Ecol Manag 225:278–286
Konôpka B, Noguchi K, Sakata T, Takahashi M, Konôpková Z (2007) Effects of simulated drought stress on the fine roots of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) in a plantation forest on the Kanto Plain, eastern Japan. J For Res 12:143–151
Noguchi K, Sakata T, Mizoguchi T, Takahashi M (2004) Estimation of the fine root biomass in a Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) plantation using minirhizotrons. J For Res 9:261–264
Noguchi K, Konôpka B, Satomura T, Kaneko S, Takahashi M (2007) Biomass and production of fine roots in Japanese forests. J For Res 12:83–95
Noguchi K, Nagakura J, Kaneko S (2013) Biomass and morphology of fine roots of sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) after 3 years of nitrogen fertilization. Front Plant Sci 4:347
Sakai M, Inoue K (1986) Fine root biomass related to the slope position in Chamaecyparis obtsusa stand. Trans Jpn For Soc 97:221–223 (in Japanese)
Vogt KA, Vogt DJ, Palmiotto PA, Boon P, O’Hara J, Asbjornsen H (1996) Review of root dynamics in forest ecosystems grouped by climate, climatic forest type and species. Plant Soil 187:159–219
Wells CE, Eissenstat DM (2001) Marked differences in survivorship among apple roots of different diameters. Ecology 82:882–892
Zadworny M, Eissenstat DM (2011) Contrasting the morphology, anatomy and fungal colonization of new pioneer and fibrous roots. New Phytol 190:213–221
Acknowledgments
We thank Yusuke Hagiwara, Saori Fujii, Goshi Matsuyama, and the members of the Environmental System Science laboratory of Doshisha University for their valuable comments and help with our field survey. We are grateful to the three reviewers for their informative comments on this paper.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
About this article
Cite this article
Tawa, Y., Takeda, H. Fine root dynamics in organic and mineral soil layers of Cryptomeria japonica D. Don plantation. J For Res 21, 67–72 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10310-016-0519-4
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10310-016-0519-4