Abstract
Field monitoring of roots presents different problems from those encountered in laboratory or greenhouse studies, where a distinct individual plant is studied under non-competitive conditions. Examinations of individual plant roots in the field present different problems because (1) roots from many individuals may occupy the same rooting zone, (2) root grafting is common, (3) root distribution is irregular and (4) roots from one individual may extend a considerable distance from the parent plant so their origin is not easily identifiable. This paper discusses field methods for studying carbon and nutrient cycling through the belowground and identifies how sampling schemes need to be adjusted when laboratory-developed techniques are transferred to the field. Specific types of data collection will be examined involving direct field measurements on intact tissues monitored over time (i.e. respiration) and on excised tissues sampled over time (i.e. biomass, production, resorption).
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© 1989 Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht
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Vogt, K.A., Vogt, D.J., Moore, E.E., Sprugel, D.G. (1989). Methodological Considerations in Measuring Biomass, Production, Respiration and Nutrient Resorption for Tree Roots in Natural Ecosystems. In: Torrey, J.G., Winship, L.J. (eds) Applications of Continuous and Steady-State Methods to Root Biology. Developments in Plant and Soil Sciences, vol 34. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-2237-2_12
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-2237-2_12
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
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