A new method for placing and lifting root meshes for estimating fine root production in forest ecosystems

• Hirano Yasuhiro

  Kansai Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute (FFPRI).

• Noguchi Kyotaro

  Shikoku Research Center, FFPRI.

• Ohashi Mizue

  School of Human Science and Environment, University of Hyogo.

• Hishi Takuo

  Ashoro Research Forest, Kyushu University Forest.

• Makita Naoki

  Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kobe University.

• Fujii Saori

  Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University.

• Finér Leena

  Finnish Forest Research Institute, Joensuu Research Unit.

Abstract

We describe a new and easy technique for placing and lifting root meshes to estimate fine root production in forest ecosystems. The method improves upon previously proposed mesh placement techniques by using a sharp stainless steel blade and two thin stainless steel sheets to insert mesh more easily and accurately in the soil, and utilizing a narrow garden spade to lift the soil block containing the mesh. The proposed technique takes significantly less time than the widely used ingrowth core method, causes minimal disturbance to the soil, and requires only simple equipment. The detailed documentation of the method provided herein should improve estimations of fine root production in forest ecosystems.

Journal

• Plant Root

  Plant Root 3 26-31, 2009

  Japanese Society for Root Research

Keywords

• fine root production
• ingrowth core method
• root mesh
• tree roots

Details

• CRID: 1390001205275072768
• NII Article ID: 130000149656
• DOI: 10.3117/plantroot.3.26
• ISSN: 18816754
• Text Lang: en
• Data Source:
  • JaLC
  • Crossref
  • CiNii Articles
  • KAKEN
• Abstract License Flag: Disallowed