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Scientia Silvae Sinicae ›› 2014, Vol. 50 ›› Issue (3): 10-15.doi: 10.11707/j.1001-7488.20140302

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Root Distribution and Fine Root Growth in Mixed Plantation of Robinia pseudoacacia and Fraxinus velutina in Coastal Saline-Alkali Area

Du Zhenyu1, Liu Fangchun1, Ma Bingyao1, Dong Haifeng2, Ma Hailin1   

  1. 1. Shandong Academy of Forestry Jinan 250014;
    2. College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University Tai'an 271018
  • Received:2013-01-15 Revised:2014-01-14 Online:2014-03-25 Published:2014-04-16

Abstract:

The root distribution and growth were studied in mixed plantation of Robinia pseudoacacia and Fraxinus velutina in coastal saline-alkali area of the Yellow River delta. The root samples were collected by excavating the soils at different horizontal distances of 0-50 cm, 50-100 cm, 100-150 cm, 150-200 cm ,and 200-250 cm from stem, and at depths of 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm and 40-60 cm, respectively. The results showed that the root systems of both R. pseudoacacia and F. velutina were mainly consisted of the roots with diameters larger than 5 mm, which accounted for 59.8% and 83.6% in the soil layers of 0-20 cm for R. pseudoacacia and F. velutina, respectively. The horizontal distribution distances of F. velutina roots of different diameter classes were evidently longer than those of R. pseudoacacia. The roots with diameters larger than 5 mm mainly distributed within 0-100 cm while the smaller roots less than 5 mm diameter were in 50-100 cm from stem. The length, surface area, volume and average diameter, activity of fine roots of F. velutina were significantly higher than those of R. pseudoacacia. The study reveals a mechanism why F. velutina has stronger adaptability in coastal saline soils than R. pseudoacacia.

Key words: Robinia pseudoacacia, Fraxinus velutina, root biomass, spatial distribution, fine root

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