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belowground biomass estimation
i am conducting a belowground biomass estimation using minirhizotrons (in which a camera will be fixed to take the images of the roots) and a software for estimating the biomass. However, I am unsure to calculate the root turnover (biomass of dead roots). The sampling interval will be 2-3 weeks and within this interval, it is possible that some fine roots (<2mm in diameter) will die and the biomass will be underestimated. Can anyone suggest me to overcome this problem?
Are you going to uproot the roots? As you are using minirhizotrons, i hope you are not uprooting them. So, where does this issue of root dying arise? will yo explain?
I was wrong. I now understand fine roots do die in minirhizotrons. I think you should somehow take into account the survivorship of the fine roots for you species in your estimation to account for fine root dying. See following papers;
Tierney G.L./ Evaluating minirhizotron estimates of fine root longevity and production in the forest floor of a temperate broadleaf forest
M. G. Johnson/ Advancing fine root research with minirhizotrons
Jennifer M. Withington/ The impact of material used for minirhizotron tubes for root research
Joined:
2007-09-21
Posted:
2008-02-27