Relationships between the parameters of aboveground parts and the parameters of root plates in Norway spruce with respect to soil drainage

Abstract

The aboveground parameters and the parameters of root plates in uprooted Norway spruce trees (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) were measured in the Hnile Blata locality (the High Tatras Mts.) (waterlogged sites) and in the Zemska locality (Low Tatras Mts.) (well-drained sites). The methods of linear correlation and regression analysis were used to quantify the relationships between the aboveground and belowground parameters. In waterlogged sites, a signifiant correlation (r = 0.60) was found between the stem diameters and the horizontal width of root plate, calculated average width of root plate, theoretical surface of root plate and visible surface of root plate. A medium correlation was found out between the stem diameters, tree height and the vertical radius of root plate. Similarly, a medium correlation was also determined between the tree height, width and length of crown and the horizontal width of root plate, average calculated width of root plate, theoretical surface of root plate and visible surface of root plate in spruce trees growing in waterlogged sites. In well-drained sites, was found out a medium correlation between the stem diameters and the horizontal width of root plate, partial vertical radius of root plate, average calculated width of root plate, theoretical surface of root plate and visible surface of root plate. A somewhat lower correlation was observed between the tree height and the vertical radius of root plate, average calculated width of root plate and theoretical surface of root plate in spruce trees growing in well-drained sites. In both sites, was found out a slight correlation between the aboveground parameters and the thickness of root plates; and no correlation was determined between the crown proportion index and root plate parameters.