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Root Development in Soils

Root Development in Soils. Root Growth Hypothesis—Minimum Effort. Root Growth Hypothesis—Profile Rebuilding. Measure depth and root length density in situ Frequent measurement can reveal root birth and death patterns (root turnover) Soil genesis. Undisturbed. Four Treatments.

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Root Development in Soils

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  1. Root Development in Soils

  2. Root Growth Hypothesis—Minimum Effort

  3. Root Growth Hypothesis—Profile Rebuilding • Measure depth and root length density in situ • Frequent measurement can reveal root birth and death patterns (root turnover) • Soil genesis

  4. Undisturbed Four Treatments ProfileRebuilding Minimum Effort (a.k.a. Builder’s Special) EnhancedTopsoil 4 in (10 cm) topsoil 4 in (10 cm) topsoil, interface scuffed by tilling Includes compost, subsoiling, and topsoil

  5. Characterizing undisturbed soil • Shottower Silt Loam

  6. Applying Compost: Profile Rebuilding

  7. Preparing the plots: Pre Treatment Vegetation and topsoil scraped and stockpiled 8 passes with a compactor at optimal moisture for compaction. Bulk density = 2.0 g/cm3

  8. Tilling: “Enhanced Topsoil” and “Profile Rebuilding” For the ET and PR treatments, the topsoil was rototilled to a depth of 8 inches (20 cm). ET: to disrupt interface PR: to prepare planting surface (eliminate clods)

  9. Step 1: Apply 4 inches leaf litter compost Step 2: Use backhoe to go down 2 feet, scoop, and allow to fall down to break up clods. Large clods may require a prod with the backhoe. Creates veins of compost deep in profile. Step 3: Apply 4 inches reserved topsoil Step 4: Rototill to 8 inch depth Subsoiling Technique • Similar to technique suggested by Kaj Rolf, Swedish researcher • Can be used in confined spaces (median strips, parking lot islands) • Addresses subsoil compaction

  10. Soil Preparation Affects Growth in First Year

  11. Profile Rebuilding • Short termAids in establishment • We will be able to quantify how much canopy you get for your investment • To be determined in the long term • Soil biogenesis • Carbon storage • Root production and depth • Soil water capture

  12. Questions to Pose • Can we improve soil function for stormwater throughout a city? • Can trees roots improve drainage from bioretention areas and make underdrainage unnecessary?

  13. PartialsupportprovidedbytheTreeResearch & EducationFund

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