METHODS FOR SAMPLING COARSE ROOTS OF AN INDIVIDUAL TREE IN THE FIELD

Abstract

We review briefly the coarse-root-sampling methods in forest ecosystems. The root system of an individual tree often has large bulk, and therefore it requires laborious field work for root-weight survey. Past studies have developed hand-digging, pull-out, and washing methods for sampling individual roots. Following these methods of sampling, the obtained data can be used to establish allometric relationships for root biomass. In the field, appropriate combination of root-sampling methods makes the root-survey process more practical. Here, we describe our root-sampling methods used in the experimental forest of Gifu University and present a dataset on the root weight of 17 cool-temperate-forest tree individuals belonging to 12 species. We believe that this dataset will be of use to researchers who study allometric relationships of tree roots.