Summary

Lyudmila Lozanova, short-term studentship, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (2016)

Summary

This study investigated selected root traits such fine root length, belowground fine mass (biomass and necromass) distribution across different root diameter classes and soil depths, and patterns of temporal dynamics in root biomass and necromass.

Research Objectives

The aim of present research is to compare the fine root biomass, root morphological parameters, root carbon accumulation in forest ecosystems dominated by Fagus sylvatica and Pseudotsuga menziesii on similar soil types in Bulgaria and sets of Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur and Pinus sylvestris stands on two contrasting soil types in the UK. The root biomass of four main European tree species Fagus sylvatica, Pinus sylvestris, Quercus robur and Pseudotsuga menziesii was sampled in forest sites (6 sites in the UK and 4 in Bulgaria) in order to identify the differences between species, and within and between vegetation zones in order to study the relationships between root biomass and the climatic site and stand factors.

Findings and Recommendations

Key findings from this research were:

  • Our data supported the expectation that fine root traits are tree species-specific.
  • Soil conditions play a key role in process of fine roots formation and carbon allocation.
  • The age in deciduous and coniferous trees stand appears to be a good predictor for fine root biomass.

Latest Update

The results from this project are being finalised and written as a scientific publication for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.

Our Involvement

This research was undertaken by Lyudmila Lozanova, of the Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria. Lyudmila was supervised at Forest Research by Dr Elena Vanguelova. This study was funded and supported by COST Action FP1305 – Linking belowground biodiversity and ecosystem function in European forests (BioLink).

Lyudmila Lozanova - PhD Student

Lyudmila Lozanova processing soil samples in the Alice Holt Chemical Analysis Laboratory