ISHS Acta Horticulturae 450: International Symposium Growing Media and Plant Nutrition in Horticulture
ROOT GROWTH OF TREES AS INFLUENCED BY PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL SOILFACTORS |
| Author: | Horst H. Witt |
| Keywords: | Root growth, Growth rhythm, phytohormone balance, mechanical effects, rhizotron |
| Abstract:
Every tree species shows a certain annual rhythm of root length growth. Intensive growth begins in the period of bud swelling. Maximum root growth occurs in May/June for deciduous trees and in July/August for conifers. A second lower maximum is found in July/August for deciduous trees and in May/June for conifers. These periods are the best planting and fertilizing periods in nurseries and landscape plantings. Root density increases with rising nutrient supply a low nutrient status promotes only growth of the main roots. Branching depend on the nitrogen supply. Roots are distributed in a manner typical for the species. Mechanical effects on any tissue of trees enforce cell growth. Nutrient sink formation is induced. Non reversible thickness of root tips and tissue areas appear. Also damage to cambium and bark results in accelerated cell division, a factor influencing stability of trees in an early stage. | |
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