Contrasting phenology of Eucalyptus grandis fine roots in upper and very deep soil layers in Brazil
Résumé
Methods Fine root growth and mortality of Eucalyptus grandis trees were observed fortnightly using minirhizotrons down to a soil depth of 6 m, from 2 to 4 years after planting.
Results In the topsoil, the highest live root length production was during the rainy summer (20 cm m−2 d−1) whereas, below 2 m deep, it was at the end of the dry winter (51 cm m−2 d−1). The maximum root elongation rates increased with soil depth to 3.6 cm d−1 in the 5–6 m soil layer.
Conclusions Our study shows that the effect of the soil depth on the seasonal variations in fine root growth should be taken into account when modelling the carbon, water and nutrient cycles in forests growing on deep tropical soils.
Auteurs, date et publication :
Auteurs George Rodrigues Lambais , Christophe Jourdan , Marisa de Cássia Piccolo , Amandine Germon , Rafael Costa Pinheiro , Yann Nouvellon , José Luiz Stape , Otávio Camargo Campoe , Agnès Robin , Jean-Pierre Bouillet , Guerric le Maire , Jean-Paul Laclau
Publication : Plant and Soil
Date : 2025
Volume : 421
Issue : 1-2
Pages : 301-318