Peculiarities of tree root system development in post-agricultural forest communities

The article studies the mass of fine (up to 2 mm in diameter) roots of woody species and the patterns of their distribution across the soil profile in post-agricultural forest communities in the middle taiga of Karelia, Russia. Forest site characteristics were determined in sampling plots established following conventional procedures. The root mass was determined by the soil monolith method. Analysis showed that young communities developed a greater mass of fine roots compared to older stands. The total root occupation of the top mineral layer of soil was higher than in the forest floor. In most cases, both coniferous and deciduous roots prevailed in mineral soil layer. The relationship between fine root mass and basal area was identified.