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Fine-root dynamics in sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) under manipulated soil nitrogen conditions

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Abstract

Aims

Nitrogen deposition affect fine-root dynamics, a key factor in forest carbon and nutrient dynamics. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of increased soil inorganic nitrogen (N) levels on the fine-root dynamics of Cryptomeria japonica, which is tolerant to excess N load.

Methods

An ammonium nitrate solution (28 kg ha−1 month−1) was applied for 3 years to plots (1 m × 2 m) in a C. japonica plantation. The elongation and disappearance of the fine roots were examined using the minirhizotron technique.

Results

The N fertilization increased soil inorganic N content and lowered the soil pH. Fine-root elongation rates increased with fertilization, whereas patterns of their seasonal changes were not affected. The ratio of cumulative disappearance to cumulative elongation of fine roots was lower in the N-fertilized plots than in the control plots. The mean diameter of the fine roots was not affected by N fertilization.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that C. japonica can respond to increased levels of soil inorganic N by increasing both the production and residence time of the fine roots. However, the effects of the changing soil N content are less evident for the phenology and morphology of the fine roots in C. japonica.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Dr. Karibu Fukuzawa for his valuable comments on the manuscript. We are also grateful to the researchers and research assistants of the Department of Forest Site Environment and the Chiyoda Experimental Station of the Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute (FFPRI) for their support in the fieldwork. This study was financially supported, in part, by the FFPRI Encouragement Model in Support of Researchers with Family Responsibilities.

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Correspondence to Kyotaro Noguchi.

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Responsible Editor: Martin Weih.

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Noguchi, K., Nagakura, J., Konôpka, B. et al. Fine-root dynamics in sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) under manipulated soil nitrogen conditions. Plant Soil 364, 159–169 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-012-1354-9

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