Modelling and predicting the spatial distribution of tree root density in heterogeneous forest ecosystems.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

In mountain ecosystems, predicting root density in three dimensions (3-D) is highly challenging due to the spatial heterogeneity of forest communities. This study presents a simple and semi-mechanistic model, named ChaMRoots, that predicts root interception density (RID, number of roots m(-2)). ChaMRoots hypothesizes that RID at a given point is affected by the presence of roots from surrounding trees forming a polygon shape.

Methods

The model comprises three sub-models for predicting: (1) the spatial heterogeneity - RID of the finest roots in the top soil layer as a function of tree basal area at breast height, and the distance between the tree and a given point; (2) the diameter spectrum - the distribution of RID as a function of root diameter up to 50 

SUBMITTER: Mao Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4512195 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature