The Effects of Liming on Fine-Roots in Forest Ecosystems

Abstract

Results are reported from the investigation of fine-root development in Norway spruce and Scots pine stands in South and Central Sweden, subjected to different liming and fertilizer regimes. Liming in combination wrth N-fertilizex resulted in a strong decrease in the amount of fine roots to about 30% of that in the control in some of the investigated stands. Liming in high doses has a negative effect on the development of tree fine roots, in particular in areas with a high nitrogen deposition. The application of crushed dolomite generally had either little or positive effects on the fine-root development as compared with crushed calcitric lime and different types of residue products, such as wood and peat ashes.