Fine-Root Production and Aboveground Development for Loblolly Pine, Silver Maple, and Cottonwood

Abstract

Fine-root production was studied in recently established loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), silver maple (Acer saccharinum), and cottonwood (Populus deltoides) biomass plantations. Dry weights of fine roots produced in ingrowth cores were recorded from April 2008 to March 2009 to quantify the temporal variation of fine-root production among the species. Similarly, fine-root production was compared to the monthly height and diameter increments, soil temperature, and moisture content. Species showed no significant difference in fine-root production; however, fine-root production varied by month. Fine-root production in September was significantly different from that of December and January combined, February, and May. Loblolly pine produced 49 g m⁻², whereas silver maple and cottonwood produced 37 g m⁻² and 35 g m⁻² of fine roots, respectively, during the study period. Fine-root production was not correlated with height increment, diameter increment, soil temperature, and soil moisture.

Keywords:

• Cottonwood
• diameter
• fine roots
• height
• ingrowth cores
• loblolly pine
• silver maple
• soil moisture
• soil temperature

Acknowledgment

We are deeply indebted to the School of Forest Resources, University of Arkansas at Monticello, for providing the opportunity and funding for the study. Special thanks goes to Hal O. Liechty, Robert L. Ficklin, and Todd M. Fearer for their timely guidance. We also thank Bikash Bhandari, Omkar Joshi, Jonathan Hartley, William McCarthy, and Ben Christiansen for helping us in the field.