Effects of Tree Production Method and Transplanting on Root Hydraulic Conductance1

Abstract

AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate the post-transplant, root specific hydraulic conductance (KS) of two oak species (Quercus bicolor Willd. and Quercus rubra L.). Q. bicolor and Q. rubra trees responded differently to transplanting across the differing types of production methods. Overall, higher post-transplant fine root KS resulted in a larger leaf area after transplanting. Container-grown (CG) trees had the highest root KS immediately after transplanting compared to balled-and-burlapped (BNB), in-ground fabric (IGF), and bare-root (BR) trees, but KS in CG trees was largely reduced at the end of the first growing season after transplanting. Post-transplant variations of fine root KS also differed between the two tree species. Fine root KS remained similar in BNB and IGF Q. bicolor trees after transplanting, but increased with time after transplanting in Q. rubra trees. The increase in KS was especially greater in BNB and BR Q. rubra trees than IGF Q. rubra.Index words: transplanting, root hydraulic conductance, tree production method, Quercus bicolor, Quercus rubra, oak.Species used in this study: Swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor Willd.); northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.).