Effect of snow removal on the fine root biomass, dynamics, and carbon and nitrogen concentrations of oak and dwarf bamboo, Sasa in eastern Hokkaido, Japan

Abstract

ABSTRACT Fine root is a significant component in carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics in temperate forests. Winter processes affect plant growth and nutrient concentration, however, the effect of reduced snowpack on fine root remains unclear. Here, we conducted snow removal manipulation and investigated the fine root biomass and necromass, dynamics (production, mortality and disappearance) and the C and N concentrations of Quercus crispula (oak) and Sasa nipponica (Sasa), in mineral topsoil (0–10 cm) throughout 1 year. The effect of snow removal on the fine root biomass and necromass was insignificant. The effect of snow removal on the production, mortality and disappearance of fine root, and on total C and N concentrations of fine root biomass and necromass were insignificant. The fine root biomass of oak was significantly greater than that of Sasa, although the fine root necromass of Sasa was significantly greater than that of oak. Fine root necromass showed clear seasonal change, although a seasonal change of fine root biomass was unclear. Total C concentration in the fine root biomass and necromass of oak was significantly higher than that of Sasa. Total N concentration in the fine root necromass in May 2015, when after the snow removal, of Sasa was significantly higher than that of oak, in both snow removal and control plots. Our results showed that the fine root necromass of Sasa supplies more N than that of oak in spring, regardless of snowpack depth.