Organic matter and nutrients associated with fine root turnover in a white oak stand. [Quercus albus]

Journal Article · Mon Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · For. Sci.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6149753

Joslin, J D; Henderson, G S

Organic matter and nutrients cycled by fine root turnover were quantified in a mature white oak (Quercus alba L.) stand and compared to contributions from litterfall. The budget method, a revised version of the traditional repeated sampling method, was used to measure root turnover. The magnitude of the live and dead pools of three size classes of fine (<5 mm diameter) roots were monitored bimonthly for 14 months. Decomposition rates over these intervals were also measured, while production and mortality were calculated. Litterfall was collected simultaneously, and the nutrient concentrations of the various detritus components determined. Root pools fluctuated less, and total root turnover biomass (220 g m/sup -2/ yr/sup -1/) was also less than previously noted in most other stands studied. Fine root turnover accounted for 30% of the total detritus production and 20-40% of the turnover of the five macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) studied. Differences with previous studies suggest that there may be rather large species and/or site-related differences in the amount of energy various stands allocate for fine root maintenance. For. Sci. 33(2):330-346.

• OSTI ID: 6149753
• Journal Information: For. Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: For. Sci.; (United States) Vol. 33:2; ISSN FOSCA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
140504* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Biomass Production &amp; Conversion-- (-1989)
BIOCONVERSION
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
BIOMASS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DECOMPOSITION
ENERGY SOURCES
FOREST LITTER
FORESTS
HUMUS
MATERIALS
NUTRIENTS
OAKS
ORGANIC MATTER
PLANTS
PRODUCTION
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
ROOTS
SOILS
TREES