Thinning effects on carbon allocation to fine roots in a Quercus ilex forest
Title | Thinning effects on carbon allocation to fine roots in a Quercus ilex forest |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2003 |
Authors | López, B. C., Sabate S., & Gracia C. A. |
Journal | Tree Physiology |
Volume | 23 |
Issue | 17 |
Pagination | 1217 - 1224 |
Date Published | 2003/// |
Keywords | biomass, longevity, mortality, production |
Abstract | The dynamics of the fine root system are relevant to calculations of the carbon balance of the ecosystem, and there is also a need to quantify changes in this component caused by disturbances. Mediterranean forest systems have historically been coppiced to obtain charcoal. As a result of the resprouting capacity of holm oaks (Quercus ilex L.), these forests present more than 50% of their biomass below ground (stump + roots > 1 cm in diameter), but the effects of thinning on the fine root system are unknown. Fine root biomass, production, mortality and longevity were studied in a control and a thinned Mediterranean holm oak forest by minirhizotron methodology. Observations of fine roots started 2 years after thinning and continued for almost 3 years. Extraction of 80% of the former basal area of the forest greatly affected carbon allocation patterns. Biomass increased by more than 100%, production increased by 76%, mortality increased by 32% and longevity decreased by around 2 weeks. The greatest differences between treatments were associated with differences in growth during autumn months in the top 40 cm of soil, particularly between 10 and 20 cm depth. |
URL | http://treephys.oxfordjournals.org/content/23/17/1217.abstract |