Ectomycorrhizal root growth in scots pine stands in response to manipulation of litter and humus layers

Abstract

The effect on ectomycorrhizal root growth in a nitrogen-enriched planted stand of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) on podzolic sandy soil to manipulation of litter and humus layers (removal, doubling and control treatments) was examined, and compared to ectomycorrhizal root growth in an untreated naturally established Scots pine stand on nutrient-poor non-podzolic sandy soil. Half a year after manipulation of litter and humus layers in the planted stand, ingrowth-cores to a depth of 60 cm were installed in both stands. Scots pine roots were sampled four times during two growing seasons. Ectomycorrhizal roots were found at all sampled soil depths to 60 cm in all plots. Root growth and ectomycorrhizal development were greater in the naturally established stand than in all plots in the planted stand. Numbers of ectomycorrhizal root tips in the litter and humus removal plots were generally higher than in the control plots in the planted stand until May 1992. Doubling litter and humus did not significantly affect root length or the numbers of ectomycorrhizal root tips. The N dissolved , NH4 + and NO3 – concentrations and the organic matter content in the upper 5 cm of the mineral soil in the planted stand on podzolic sandy soil were generally higher and the pH significantly lower than in the naturally established stand on non-podzolic sandy soil. Root growth and ectomycorrhizal development in the secondary stand may have been negatively affected by the chemical composition of the podzolic sandy soil.