Differences in Fine-Root Biomass of Trees and Understory Vegetation among Stand Types in Subtropical Forests.

ABSTRACT: Variation of total fine-root biomass among types of tree stands has previously been attributed to the characteristics of the stand layers. The effects of the understory vegetation on total fine-root biomass are less well studied. We examined the variation of total fine-root biomass in subtropical tree stands at two sites of Datian and Huitong in China. The two sites have similar humid monsoon climate but different soil organic carbon. One examination compared two categories of basal areas (high vs. low basal area) in stands of single species. A second examination compared single-species and mixed stands with comparable basal areas. Low basal area did not correlate with low total fine-root biomass in the single-species stands. The increase in seedling density but decrease in stem density fo

SUBMITTER: Fu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4457824 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature