GPR Survey for Fir (Abies alba) and Spruce (Picea abies) Root Systems in Different Locations in the Western Carpathians Mts. (Poland)

The aim of the GPR research was a non-invasive inspection of the root systems arrangement of selected trees (fir Abies alba and spruce Picea abies), in the Silesian Beskids Landscaped Park and Żywiec Beskids Landscaped Park (Carpathian Mountains, Poland). Field research has been done using RAMAC/GPR with 800 MHz shielded antennas. The survey was conducted by linear profiling to a depth of 2 m. The survey was carried out around the designated trees in 6 meters × 6 meters grids. Base points for X (S-N) and Y (W-E) axis were set in corners of each grid. Parallel GPR traverses were conducted within each study area, at intervals of 0.20 m. The maps of the research areas show existing trees and stumps within the GPR sections, with ±0.1 m error. GPR data analysis was carried out in 2D and 3D systems. Major findings from the GPR survey concluded that the firs (Abies alba), have a “vertical” root system type (with the roots dominant at depths of 0.2-0.8 meters), concentrically away from the tree trunk at a distance of about 1 m to about 2 m, and the spruces (Picea abies), have a “cloud” root system type (at a depth of 10-100 cm), with a few clear, thicker roots extending from the trunk.