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Root architecture and wind‐firmness of mature Pinus pinaster
Author(s) -
Danjon Frédéric,
Fourcaud Thierry,
Bert Didier
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2005.01497.x
Subject(s) - taproot , pinus pinaster , root system , root (linguistics) , lateral root , botany , biology , environmental science , geology , linguistics , philosophy , biochemistry , arabidopsis , gene , mutant
Summary• This study aims to link three‐dimensional coarse root architecture to tree stability in mature timber trees with an average of 1‐m rooting depth. • Undamaged and uprooted trees were sampled in a stand damaged by a storm. Root architecture was measured by three‐dimensional (3‐D) digitizing. The distribution of root volume by root type and in wind‐oriented sectors was analysed. • Mature Pinus pinaster root systems were organized in a rigid ‘cage’ composed of a taproot, the zone of rapid taper of horizontal surface roots and numerous sinkers and deep roots, imprisoning a large mass of soil and guyed by long horizontal surface roots. Key compartments for stability exhibited strong selective leeward or windward reinforcement. Uprooted trees showed a lower cage volume, a larger proportion of oblique and intermediate depth horizontal roots and less wind‐oriented root reinforcement. • Pinus pinaster stability on moderately deep soils is optimized through a typical rooting pattern and a considerable structural adaptation to the prevailing wind and soil profile.