| title: | The ecomorphology of absorbing roots in dominant tree species in different forest site types in Estonia |
|---|---|
| reg no: | ETF6472 |
| project type: | Estonian Science Foundation research grant |
| status: | accepted |
| institution: | University of Tartu |
| head of project: | Ivika Ostonen |
| duration: | 01.01.2005 - 31.12.2007 |
| description: | Absorbing roots with primary structure are responsible for the water and nutrient uptake of forest trees of the boreal and temperate zones. Absorbing roots adapt to changes in soil conditions by differentiating their anatomical and morphological features (specific root area (SRA; m2 kg-1), specific root length (SRL; m kg-1) and root tissue density (RTD; kg m-3), diameter (mm)). The objectives of the project are: (1) to determine the range of ecomorphological parameters of short roots for Estonian main tree species (Scots pine, Norway spruce, silver and downy birch, grey and black alder) in their distribution area; (2) to assess the impact of soil conditions on the morphology of short roots; (3) to analyse the response of short root parameters to the stand productivity; (4) to analyse the seasonal dynamics of short root parameters in different coniferous and deciduous tree species in different forest types; (5) to assess the impact of tree species on short root ecomorphological parameters in mixed stands on the same soils; (6) to assess the variability of short root parameters of Norway spruce within a forest type; (7) to assess and analyse the structure of ECM communities in grey alder and black alder stands and its impact on short ECM root parameters. The results of the project will reveal general trends in the relations between the morphology of the short roots of the main tree species, site conditions, and stand productivity. This will enable the plasticity of the adaptation of short roots to different soil conditions to be assessed, and will, in addition increasing our knowledge base, also be of practical value in forestry applications.The determination, in alder stands, of the species structure of ECM communities and of short-root parameters will create new links between two branches of science: mycology and plant ecology, in the field of mineral nutrition of woody plants. |
| project group | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| no | name | institution | position | |
| 1. | Krista Lõhmus | University of Tartu | Senior scientist | |
| 2. | Ivika Ostonen | University of Tartu | post-doc researcher | |
| 3. | Leho Tedersoo | University of Tartu | senior lab assistant | |