Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Response of the fine root system in a Norway spruce stand to 13 years of reduced atmospheric nitrogen and acidity input

  • Regular Article
  • Published:
Plant and Soil Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Atmospheric inputs of acids and nitrogen (N) have altered growth and vitality of forests for decades, but there is a lack of understanding concerning the response of these forests to reduced deposition. We studied fine root parameters of a Norway spruce stand treated with reduced input (clean rain) for 13 years. Fine roots of the clean rain plot had smaller N and Al contents, however, fine roots in the subsoil were still subjected to soil acidity and Al toxicity as indicated by a fine root Ca/Al ratio of less than 0.5. The treatment effect was most pronounced in the organic layer of the clean rain plot where fine root biomass increased by 66% and the live/dead ratio of fine roots increased by more than 100%. The elevated live/dead ratio was attributed to reduced mortality and faster decomposition of fine root litter. The latter was supported by a positive relationship between live/dead ratio and manganese content of fine roots. In contrast to the organic layer, fine root biomass was not different in the mineral soil. However, at 20–40 cm fine root diameter was greater and specific root tip density was smaller than in the topsoil likely because of strong N limitation as indicated by a C/N ratio of >50. Based on these morphological changes we postulate differing functional properties of fine roots in the organic layer and mineral soil below 20 cm depth. Further, our results suggest that Picea abies is able to adapt morphology and functional traits of its root system following reduced N availability.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aber J, McDowell W, Nadelhoffer K, Magill A, Berntson G, Kamakea M, McNulty S, Currie W, Rustad L, Fernandez I (1998) Nitrogen saturation in temperate forest ecosystems. BioScience 48:921–934

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bakker M, Jolicoeur E, Trichet P, Augusto L, Plassard C, Guinberteau J, Loustau D (2009) Adaptation of fine roots to annual fertilization and irrigation in a 13-year-old Pinus pinaster stand. Tree Physiol 29:229–238. doi:10.1093/treephys/tpn020

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Berg B, McClaugherty C (2003) Plant litter. Springer

  • Borken W, Matzner E (2004) Nitrate leaching in forest soils: an analysis of long-term monitoring sites in Germany. J Plant Nutr Soil Sci 167(3):277–283. doi:10.1002/jpln.200421354

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Borken W, Kossmann G, Matzner E (2007) Biomass, morphology and nutrient contents of fine roots in four Norway spruce stands. Plant Soil 292(1):79–93. doi:10.1007/s11104-007-9204-x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Boxman AW, van Dam D, van Dijk HFG, Hogervorst R, Koopmans CJ (1995) Ecosystem responses to reduced nitrogen and sulphur inputs into two coniferous forest stands in the Netherlands. For Ecol Manage 71(1–2):7–29. doi:10.1016/0378-1127(94)06081-S

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boxman AW, Blanck K, Brandrud TE, Emmett BA, Gundersen P, Hogervorst RF, Kjønaas OJ, Persson H, Timmermann V (1998) Vegetation and soil biota response to experimentally-changed nitrogen inputs in coniferous forest ecosystems of the NITREX project. For Ecol Manage 101(1–3):65–79. doi:10.1016/S0378-1127(97)00126-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Braun S, Cantaluppi L, Flückiger W (2005) Fine roots in stands of Fagus sylvatica and Picea abies along a gradient of soil acidification. Environ Pollut 137(3):574–579. doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2005.01.042

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bredemeier M, Tiktak A, van Heerden K (1995) The Solling Norway spruce site. Ecol Model 83:7–15

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bredemeier M, Blanck K, Dohrenbusch A, Lamersdorf N, Meyer AC, Murach D, Parth A, Xu YJ (1998) The Solling roof project—site characteristics, experiments and results. For Ecol Manage 101:281–293. doi:10.1016/S0378-1127(97)00143-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burton AJ, Pregitzer KS, Hendrick RL (2000) Relationships between fine root dynamics and nitrogen availability in Michigan northern hardwood forests. Oecologia 125:389–399. doi:10.1007/s004420000455

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clemensson-Lindell A, Persson H (1995) The effects of nitrogen addition and removal on Norway spruce fine-root vitality and distribution in three catchment areas at Gårdsjön. For Ecol Manage 71(1–2):123–131

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Corre MD, Lamersdorf NP (2004) Reversal of nitrogen saturation after long-term deposition reduction: impact on soil nitrogen cycling. Ecology 85(11):3090–3104. doi:10.1890/03-0423

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cronan CS, Grigal DF (1995) Use of calcium/aluminium ratios as indicators of stress in forest ecosystems. J Environ Qual 24:209–226

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Davey MP, Berg B, Emmett BA, Rowland P (2007) Decomposition of oak leaf litter is related to initial litter Mn concentrations. Can J Bot 85:16–24

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Drew MC (1975) Comparison of the effects of localized supply of phosphate, nitrate, ammonium, and potassium on the growth of the seminal root system. New Phytol 75:479–490

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Eissenstat DM, Wells CE, Yanai RD (2000) Building roots in a changing environment: implications for root longevity. New Phytol 147:33–42

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Enowashu E, Poll C, Lamersdorf N, Kandeler E (2009) Microbial biomass and enzyme activities under reduced nitrogen deposition in a spruce forest soil. Appl Soil Ecol 43(1):11–21

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Godbold DL, Fritz HW, Jentschke G, Meesenburg H, Rademacher P (2003) Root turnover and root necromass accumulation of Norway spruce (Picea abies) are affected by soil acidity. Tree Physiol 23(13):915–921. doi:10.1093/treephys/23.13.915

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Haynes BE, Gower ST (1995) Belowground carbon allocation in unfertilized and fertilized red pine plantations in northern Wisconsin. Tree Physiol 15(5):317–325. doi:10.1093/treephys/15.5.317

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Helmisaari HS, Derome J, Nojd P, Kukkola M (2007) Fine root biomass in relation to site and stand characteristics in Norway spruce and Scots pine stands. Tree Physiol 27(10):1493–1504

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hendricks JJ, Aber JD, Nadelhoffer KJ, Hallett RD (2000) Nitrogen controls on fine root substrate quality in temperate forest ecosystems. Ecosystems 3(1):57–69. doi:10.1007/s100210000010

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ho M, Rosas JC, Brown K, Lynch JP (2005) Root architectural tradeoffs for water and phosphorus acquisition. Funct Plant Biol 32:737–748

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hodge A (2004) The plastic plant: root responses to heterogeneous supplies of nutrients. New Phytol 162:9–24

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jentschke G, Drexhage M, Fritz HW, Fritz E, Schella B, Lee DH, Gruber F, Heimann J, Kuhr M, Schmidt J, Schmidt S, Zimmermann R, Godbold DL (2001) Does soil acidity reduce subsoil rooting in Norway spruce (Picea abies)? Plant Soil 237(1):91–108. doi:10.1023/A:1013305712465

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • King JS, Albaugh TJ, Allen HL, Buford M, Strain BR, Dougherty P (2002) Below-ground carbon input to soil is controlled by nutrient availability and fine root dynamics in Loblolly pine. New Phytol 154:389–398

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lamersdorf NP, Borken W (2004) Clean rain promotes fine root growth and soil respiration in a Norway spruce forest. Glob Chang Biol 10:1351–1362. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2486.2004.00811.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lemke M (2006) Die C-Dynamik von Waldböden bei reduzierten Stoffeinträgen (Dachprojekt Solling). Dissertation Universität Göttingen. Berichte des Forschungszentrums Waldökosysteme, Reihe A, Bd. 198

  • Leuschner C, Hertel D, Schmid I, Koch O, Muhs A, Hölscher D (2004) Stand fine root biomass and fine root morphology in old-growth beech forests as a function of precipitation and soil fertility. Plant Soil 258(1):43–56. doi:10.1023/B:PLSO.0000016508.20173.80

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Magill AH, Aber JD, Currie WS, Nadelhoffer KJ, Martin ME, McDowell WH, Melillo JM, Steudler P (2004) Ecosystem response to 15 years of chronic nitrogen additions at the Harvard Forest LTER, Massachusetts, USA. For Ecol Manage 196(1):7–28

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Majdi H, Andersson P (2005) Fine root production and turnover in a Norway spruce stand in northern Sweden: effects of nitrogen and water manipulation. Ecosystems 8:191–199

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Martinson L, Lamersdorf N, Warfvinge P (2005) The Solling roof revisited—slow recovery from acidification observed and modeled despite a decade of “clean-rain” treatment. Environ Pollut 135(2):293–302

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Matzner E (2004) Biogeochemistry of forested catchments in a changing environment: a German case study. Ecol Stud 172, Springer, Heidelberg

  • Matzner E, Murach D (1995) Soil changes induced by air pollutant deposition and their implication for forests in central Europe. Water Air Soil Pollut 85(1):63–76. doi:10.1007/BF00483689

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Münzenberger B, Schmincke B, Strubelt F, Hüttl RF (1995) Reaction of mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal scots pine fine roots along a deposition gradient of air pollutants in eastern Germany. Water Air Soil Pollut 85(3):1191–1196. doi:10.1007/BF00477143

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nadelhoffer KN (2000) Research review: the potential effects of nitrogen deposition on fine-root production in forest ecosystems. New Phytol 147:131–139

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nave LE, Vance ED, Swanston CW, Curtis PS (2009) Impacts of elevated N inputs on north temperate forest soil C storage, C/N, and net N-mineralization. Geoderma 153:231–240

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Persson H (1983) The distribution and productivity of fine roots in boreal forests. Plant Soil 71(1):87–101. doi:10.1007/BF02182644

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Persson H, Ahlström K (2002) Fine-root response to nitrogen supply in nitrogen manipulated Norway spruce catchment areas. For Ecol Manage 168(1–3):29–41

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Persson H, Stadenberg I (2009) Spatial distribution of fine-roots in boreal forests in eastern Sweden. Plant Soil 318(1):1–14. doi:10.1007/s11104-008-9811-1

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Persson H, Fircks Y, Majdi H, Nilsson LO (1995) Root distribution in a Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stand subjected to drought and ammonium-sulphate application. Plant Soil 168–169(1):161–165. doi:10.1007/BF00029324

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sollins P, Homann P, Caldwell BA (1996) Stabilization and destabilization of soil organic matter: mechanisms and controls. Geoderma 74:65–105

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vanguelova EI, Nortcliff S, Moffat AJ, Kennedy F (2005) Morphology, biomass and nutrient status of fine roots of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) as influenced by seasonal fluctuations in soil moisture and soil solution chemistry. Plant Soil 270(1):233–247. doi:10.1007/s11104-004-1523-6

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vanguelova EI, Hirano Y, Eldhuset TD, Sas-Paszt L, Bakker MR, Püttsepp Ü, Brunner I, Lõhmus K, Godbold D (2007) Tree fine root Ca/Al molar ratio—indicator of Al and acidity stress. Plant Biosyst 141(3):460–480. doi:10.1007/s11104-004-1523-6

    Google Scholar 

  • Vogt KA, Publicover DA, Bloomfield J, Perez JM, Vogt DJ, Silver WL (1993) Belowground responses as indicators of environmental change. Environ Exp Bot 33:189–205

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We thank Rita Süss and Andreas Puhr for fine root sampling and preparation and for conducting the incubation experiment.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Soil Ecology, University of Bayreuth, Dr. Hans-Frisch-Straße 1-3, 95448, Bayreuth, Germany

    Ulrich Zang & Werner Borken

  2. Soil Science of Temperate and Boreal Ecosystems, University of Göttingen, Büsgenweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany

    Norbert Lamersdorf

Authors
  1. Ulrich Zang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Norbert Lamersdorf
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Werner Borken
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ulrich Zang.

Additional information

Responsible Editor: Philippe Hinsinger.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Zang, U., Lamersdorf, N. & Borken, W. Response of the fine root system in a Norway spruce stand to 13 years of reduced atmospheric nitrogen and acidity input. Plant Soil 339, 435–445 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-010-0598-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-010-0598-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation