The effect of altitude on the distribution pattern of the root system of the Caucasian alder (Alnus subcordata C. A. Mey.) plantations in Iran

Document Type : Research article

Authors

1 Corresponding author, Ph.D. Student, Department of Forest Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran

2 Associate Prof., Department of Forest Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran

3 Associate Prof., Department of Forestry and Forest Economics, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

4 Assistant Prof., Department of Statistics, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Engineering, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Iran

5 Prof., Section Hydraulics, Faculty of Agricultural, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy

Abstract

The extent to which plants can protect soil largely depends on the biotechnical characteristics of their root system. One of these characteristics is the root distribution pattern in the soil or the Root Area Ratio (RAR). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of altitude on the root spatial distribution of Caucasian alder (Alnus subcordata C. A. Mey.)trees in lower, middle and upper altitudes in the Neka-Zalmrud forestry plan in the Mazandaran province, Iran. At each site, seven trees were completely randomly sampled. In order to investigate and measure RAR, two soil profiles were dug at both up and down sides of tree samples (with 50×100 cm2 dimensions) using the profile trench method at the horizontal distance of 0.5 and 1.5 m from the tree stem. On wall trenches, 10 cm horizons were identified, on which all intersecting roots were measured and RAR was calculated in each horizon. At all three altitudes, RAR decreased exponentially with increasing depth and distance from the tree. The results of ANCOVA showed that the distribution of roots at all three altitudes was significantly different. In overall, the density of the roots increased along with increasing altitude above sea level. Higher percentages of RAR in some locations at lowland heights were probably due to limited soil depth at this height.

Keywords

References

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