Belowground interspecific competition in mixed boreal forests: fine root and ectomycorrhiza characteristics along stand developmental stage and soil fertility gradients

摘要: We studied fine roots and ectomycorrhizas in relation to aboveground tree stand characteristics five mixed Betula pendula Roth, Picea abies (L.) H. Karst., Pinus sylvestris L. stands Southern Finland. The formed gradients of developmental stage (15-, 30-, 50-year-old stands) the medium fertility, site fertility young (30-year-old fertile, least fertile stands). biomass external hyphae (ECM) was highest, diversity fungal community lowest, most stand. vertical distributions three species were mostly overlapping, indicating high inter-specific belowground competition stands. did not find any clear trends root (FRB) or length across stages. FRB conifers varied with whereas B. it almost constant. In contrast conifers, specific (SRL) clearly increased from This indicates differences primary nutrient acquisition strategy between pendula.