Abstract
AbstractA new method for analyzing growth is proposed to elucidate factors responsible for the differences in root depth ofLarix kaempferiandAbies veitchiiseedlings. Root depth (D) divides into three factors;urn:x-wiley:09123814:ere0073:equation:ere0073-math-0001where DW and L are dry weight of the root and total length of root elements, respectively. L/DW, specific root length, and D/L ratio represents the length of the root per unit root dry weight and the ratio of the depth to the total length of the root elements, respectively. Seedlings of the two species were grown from seeds and values of these three factors; root dry weight, specific root length and D/L ratio were periodically compared between the two species during growth. Irrespective of watering conditions, the factor that was almost entirely responsible for the differences in root depth between these two species was differences in specific root length, while there were virtually no differences in root dry weight or D/L ratio, indicating that allocation of dry mass to the root is equivalent and geometrical structure of the root system is similar. It is therefore concluded that the deeper roots which enableL. kaempferiseedlings to establish themselves during drought conditions on bare ground, unlikeA. veitchiiseedlings whose establishment is confined to the forest floor, are attained by their ability to extend their roots longer for a given amount of dry mass.
Published Version
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