Comparison of ingrowth cores and ingrowth meshes in root studies: 3 years of data on Pinus pinaster and its understory

摘要: Key message Pine fine root biomass, live fraction and specific length studied after collection with ingrowth cores do not correspond those collected meshes. Abstract Root studies are a challenging task, yet they primordial to improve our understanding of biogeochemi- cal cycles in many ecosystems. Methods reducing operator time minimizing disturbance while permitting ade- quate assessment dimensions space would naturally be great relevance. Recently, meshes have been proposed as valuable alternative existing methods, deployable remote areas poten- tially yielding smaller disturbances along reduction spent per sample. In this study, we used flexible mesh material Pinus pinaster production forests. The (pore size 6 by mm) was either applied (15 cm deep, 8 diameter) or linear 50 long), left soils for 9, 24, 36 months. Roots were retrieved from both devices separated over plant species (pine understory species), diameter class vitality (live dead). We expected 1) improved larger roots the due surface 2) less soil Results indicate that most patterns similar between species, but resulted lower all classes, better reflected standing biomass. did permit reduce Future research may target reduced perhaps more rigid material.