Penetration of Cultivated Soil by Roots of Some Row-Planted Tree Species

1989

12 Abb., 2 Tab., 10 Lit. Ang., Pl, Zfsg. En, Pl, Ru

Unselbständiges Werk

4620

200027414

The author examined root systems of the following species: Aesculus hippocastanum L.; Betula verrucosa Ehrh., Fraxinus excelsior L., Pyrus communis L., Populus sp., Robinia pseudoacacia L., Salix alba L. and Tilia cordata Mill. On the basis of 2 m wide and 0,5 m deep soil pits dug every 2 m, the root-range, -density and -thickness in different distances from the trees has been determined. It was found that the root range depends not upon tree species but largely upon soil conditions; the range was small in loose soils with deep ground water level and the greatest in heavy soils gleyed up to the depth of 50 cm. No correlation has been started between the range of roots and the range of crowns. No greater differences between species have been observed with regard to the depth of occurrence and to the thickness structure of roots. The prevailing part of the tree roots in cultivated soils occurs in the layer from 20 to 40 cm. The roots of poplar, ash and willow grow into the freshly ploughed soil quicker than those of other tree species. Regeneration of roots damaged during ploughing takes place in the first year already.