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Technical note: application of geophysical tools for tree root studies in forest ecosystems in complex soils

dc.contributor.authorRodríguez Robles, Ulises
dc.contributor.authorArredondo Moreno, José Tulio
dc.contributor.authorHuber-Sannwald, Elisabeth
dc.contributor.authorRamos Leal, José Alfredo
dc.contributor.editorCopernicus Publications
dc.date.accessioned2018-03-23T19:26:04Z
dc.date.available2018-03-23T19:26:04Z
dc.date.issued2017-11
dc.identifier.citationRodríguez-Robles, U., Arredondo, T., Huber-Sannwald, E., Ramos-Leal, J. A., and Yépez, E. A.: Technical note: Application of geophysical tools for tree root studies in forest ecosystems in complex soils, Biogeosciences, 14, 5343-5357, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-5343-2017, 2017.
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/11627/3666
dc.description.abstract"While semiarid forests frequently colonize rocky substrates, knowledge is scarce on how roots garner resources in these extreme habitats. The Sierra San Miguelito Volcanic Complex in central Mexico exhibits shallow soils and impermeable rhyolitic-rock outcrops, which impede water movement and root placement beyond the soil matrix. However, rock fractures, exfoliated rocks and soil pockets potentially permit downward water percolation and root growth. With ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), two geophysical methods advocated by Jayawickreme et al. (2014) to advance root ecology, we advanced in the method development studying root and water distribution in shallow rocky soils and rock fractures in a semiarid forest. We calibrated geophysical images with in situ root measurements, and then extrapolated root distribution over larger areas. Using GPR shielded antennas, we identified both fine and coarse pine and oak roots from 0.6 to 7.5 cm diameter at different depths into either soil or rock fractures. We also detected, trees anchoring their trunks using coarse roots underneath rock outcroppings. With ERT, we tracked monthly changes in humidity at the soil–bedrock interface, which clearly explained spatial root distribution of both tree species. Geophysical methods have enormous potential in elucidating root ecology. More interdisciplinary research could advance our understanding in belowground ecological niche functions and their role in forest ecohydrology and productivity."
dc.rightsAttribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 Internacional
dc.rights.urihttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
dc.subject.classificationCIENCIAS DE LA TIERRA Y DEL ESPACIO
dc.titleTechnical note: application of geophysical tools for tree root studies in forest ecosystems in complex soils
dc.typearticle
dc.identifier.doihttps://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-5343-2017
dc.rights.accessAcceso Abierto


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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 Internacional
Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 Internacional