Jamie L. Schuler

Fine-Root Production and Aboveground Development for Loblolly Pine, Silver Maple, and Cottonwood

Fine-root production was studied in recently established loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), silver maple (Acer saccharinum), and cottonwood (Populus deltoides) biomass plantations. Dry weights of fine roots produced in ingrowth cores were recorded from April 2008 to March 2009 to quantify the temporal variation of fine-root production among the species. Similarly, fine-root production was compared to the monthly height and diameter increments, soil temperature, and moisture content. Species showed no significant difference in fine-root production; however, fine-root production varied by month. Fine-root production in September was significantly different from that of December and January combined, February, and May. Loblolly pine produced 49 g m−2, whereas silver maple and cottonwood produced 37 g m−2 and 35 g m−2 of fine roots, respectively, during the study period. Fine-root production was not correlated with height increment, diameter increment, soil temperature, and soil moisture.