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Spatial distribution of fine roots of larch and ash in the mixed plantation stand

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Abstract

The spatial distribution of standing fine roots in tree rows of different species in a 12-year-old mixed stand of ash (Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr.) and larch (Larix olgensis Henry) was studied by soil core sampling in early spring, 2001. It is found that ash and larch differ greatly in their belowground biomass distribution. Ash has much higher fine root biomass density in the soil than larch at stand level (with the max value of 4442.3 vs. 2234.9 g·m−3). Both tree species deployed more fine roots in their neighboring zone, suggesting a less intensive competition between roots of the two species. Both fine root biomass density and root length density of ash in the zone between larch tree rows are greater than that of larch in zone between ash tree rows, indicating that ash is more powerful than larch in belowground competition. The spatial distribution feature of roots favors the growth of ash in the mixed stand.

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Foundation item: This study was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 30130160), and the Quick Response of Basic Research Supporting Program (Grant No. 2102)

Biography: WANG Qing-cheng (1963-), male, associate professor in College of Forest Resources and Environment, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, P.R. China.

Responsible editor: Song Funan

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Qing-cheng, W. Spatial distribution of fine roots of larch and ash in the mixed plantation stand. Journal of Forestry Research 13, 265–268 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860088

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860088

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