A Study of Root Biomass in an Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir Stand in Northern Utah
Document Type
Full Issue
Publication Date
1970
Abstract
Biomass of roots in the top 6 inches of soil profile was measured. This weight was then used in a stepwise multiple regression to test correlations between root biomass and above ground mensurational parameters. Total biomass of all roots was 9822 ± 2810 pounds per acre oven dry. Spruce roots weighed 4417 ± 997 pounds per acre; of this spruce roots less than 0.125 inch diameter weighed 2023 ± 347 pounds per acre and biomass of spruce roots greater than 0.125 inch diameter was 2394 ± 853 pounds per acre. Total fir roots weighed 5156 ± 2687 pounds per acre; of this roots less than 0.125 inch totaled 869 ± 181 pounds per acre and biomass of fir roots greater than 0.125 inch diameter was 4287 ± 2653 pounds per acre. Low r2 (0.11 to 0.17) values were found and the parameters which showed the greatest predictive value were (dbh)2, dbh, basal area, (basal area)2, and height. The sampling design involved the pairing of trees over 4 inches diameter. Point density expressed as basal area was not useful in relating to root biomass'with this sampling design.
Recommended Citation
Gadt, Larry O. (1970). A study of root biomass in an Engelmann spruce-subalpine fir stand in Northern Utah. MS. 50p.
Comments
This item is a thesis published by a student who attended Utah State University. Abstract can be accessed through the remote link. Fulltext not available online.