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Distribution of fine root biomass of main planting tree species in Loess Plateau, China.

JIAN Sheng-qi, ZHAO Chuan-yan, FANG Shu-min, YU Kai   

  1. (State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agroecosystems, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China)
  • Online:2014-07-18 Published:2014-07-18

Abstract: The distribution of fine roots of Pinus tabuliformis, Populus tomentosa, Prunus armeniaca, Robinia pseudoacacia, Hippophae rhamnoides, and Caragana korshinskii was investigated by using soil core method and the fine root was defined as root with diameter less than 2 mm. The soil moisture and soil properties were measured. The results showed that in the horizontal direction, the distribution of fine root biomass of P. tabuliformis presented a conic curve, and the fine root biomass of the other species expressed logarithm correlation. Radial roots developed, the fine root biomass were concentrated within the scope of the 2-3 times crown, indicating that trees extended their roots laterally to seek water farther from the tree. In the vertical direction, the fine root biomass decreased with the increasing soil depth. Fine root biomass had significant negative correlation with soil water content and bulk density, while significant positive correlation with organic matter and total N contents.