Variations in fine root dynamics of Tectona grandis among natural and managed systems of Central Himalaya, India

Abstract

Tree fine roots contribute to manage the microclimate of soil through regulating the physico-chemical and biological attributes within an ecosystem. Present research was confined with fine root dynamics of Tectona grandis in the three sites include, one natural forest and two managed agroforestry systems of Central Himalaya, India with the aim to analyse the relationship between soil and fine root parameters to assess the temporal growth pattern in fine root parameters and to depict the vertical distribution and annual variation of fine roots under natural versus artificial systems. This research work was conducted during the year 2020 to 2022. Sequential core method was used for the estimation of biomass while, ingrowth core method for the production of fine root. Seasonal sampling of fine roots was done up to the three soil depths, i.e., 0–20 cm, 20–40 cm and 40–60 cm in triplicates. Sand, silt, pH were negatively correlated (p < 0.05) while, clay, water holding capacity, soil organic carbon and total nitrogen showed positive correlation (p < 0.05) with fine roots. Various traits of fine root were observed higher in natural system as compared to the managed systems. Rainy season was the most suitable period for the production of fine roots while, summer was least favourable. Soil profundity was inversely correlated with fine root traits. Greater carbon was recorded in the natural system (2.74 %) as compared to the managed systems (1.14 %) but nutrient uptake was observed higher in managed systems (37.50 %) than the natural system (34.21 %). Fine roots were significantly affected by land use forms, seasons and soil profundity.