Abstract
Desirable root architecture for trees differs between sequential and simultaneous agroforestry systems. In sequential systems extensive tree root development may enhance nutrient capture and transfer to subsequent crops via organic pools. In simultaneous systems tree root development in the crop root zone leads to competition for resources.
Fractal branching models provide relationships between proximal root diameter, close to the tree stem, and total root length or surface area. The main assumption is that a root branching proportionality factor is independent of root diameter. This was tested in a survey of 18 multipurpose trees growing on an acid soil in Lampung (Indonesia). The assumption appeared valid for all trees tested, for stems as well as roots. The proportionality factor showed a larger variability in roots than in stems and the effects of this variability should be further investigated. A simple index of tree root shallowness is proposed as indicator of tree root competitiveness, based on superficial roots and stem diameter.
Pruning trees is a major way to benefit from tree products and at the same time reduce above-ground competition between trees and crops. It may have negative effects, however, on root distribution and enhance below-ground competition. In an experiment with five tree species, a lower height of stem pruning led to a larger number of superficial roots of smaller diameter, but had no effect on shoot:root ratios or the relative importance of the tap root.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Coster Ch (1932) Wortelstudiën in de tropen (Root studies in the tropics). I. De jeugdontwikkeling van het wortelstelsel van een zeventigtal boomen en groenbemesters ( Early development of the root system of seventy trees and green manure species ). Korte Meded vh Boschb Proefst no. 29
Coutts MP (1983) Root architecture and tree stability. Plant and Soil 71: 171–188
De Foresta H and Michon G (1994) Agroforests in Sumatra, where ecology meets economy. Agroforestry Today 6 (4): 12–13
De Reffye P, Houllier F, Blaise F, Barthelemy D, Dauzat J. and Auclair D (1995) A model simulating above-and below-ground tree architecture with agroforestry applications. Agroforestry Systems (this issue)
Fitter AH and Stickland TR (1992) Fractal characterization of root architecture. Functional Ecology 6: 632–635
Hairiah K, Van Noordwijk M, Santoso B and Syekhfani MS (1992) Biomass production and root distribution of eight trees and their potential for hedgerow intercropping on an ultisol in Lampung. AGRIVITA 15: 54–68
Kooistra MT and Van Noordwijk M (1995) Soil architecture and distribution of organic carbon. In: Carter MR (ed) Structure and Organic Carbon Storage in Agricultural Soils. Advances in Soil Science (in press)
Kuiper LC, Bakker AJJ and Van Dijk GJE (1990) Stem and crown parameters related to structural root systems of Douglas fir. Wageningen Agric Univ Papers 90–6: 57–67
Le Roux Y (1994) Mise en place de l’architecture racinaire d’Hevea brasiliensis, étude comparée du semis et de la microbouture. Thesis doctorat, Université d’Aix Marseille I II, Aix Marseille, France
Mandelbrot BB (1983) The Fractal Geometry of Nature. Freeman, New York, NY, USA
Ong CK and Khan AAH (1993) The direct measurement of water uptake by individual tree roots. Agroforestry Today 5 (4): 2–4
Pagès, L, Le Roux Y and Thaler P (1995) Modélisation de l’architecture racinaire. Plantations, Recherche, Développement 1995 (1): 19–34
Pagès L. and Aries F (1988) SARAH: Modèle de simulation de la croissance, du développement et de l’architecture des systèmes racinaires. Agronomie 8: 889–896
Prusinkiewicz P and Lindenmayer A (1990) The Algorithmic Beauty of Plants. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany, 302 pp
Shinozaki K, Yoda K, Hozumi K and Kira T (1964) A quantitative analysis of plant form — the pipe model theory. Japanese Journal of Ecology 14: 97–105
Soumaré A, Groot JJR, Koné D and Radersma S (1994) Structure spatiale du système racinaire de deux arbres du Sahel: Acacia seyal and Sclerocaryea birrea. Rapport PSS no. 5, Wageningen, The Netherlands, 45 pp
Spek LY and Van Noordwijk M (1994) Proximal root diameters as predictors of total root system size for fractal branching models. II. Numerical model. Plant and Soil 164: 119–128
Van Noordwijk M, Widianto, Heinen M and Hairiah K (199la) Old tree root channels in acid soils in the humid tropics: important for crop root penetration, water infiltration and nitrogen management. Plant and Soil 134: 37–44
Van Noordwijk M, Hairiah K, Syekhfani M and Flach EN (1991b) Peltophorum pterocarpa: a tree with a root distribution suitable for alley cropping. In: Persson H and McMichael BL (eds) Plant Roots and Their Environment, pp 526–532. Elsevier, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Van Noordwijk M, Widianto, Sitompul SM, Hairiah K and Guritno B (1992) Nitrogen management under high rainfall conditions for shallow rooted crops: principles and hypotheses. AGRIVITA 15: 10–18
Van Noordwijk M, Spek LY and De Willigen P (1994) Proximal root diameters as predictors of total root system size for fractal branching models. I. Theory. Plant and Soil 164: 107–118
Van Noordwijk M (in press) A simple model to quantify mulch and shade effects. In: Huxley PA and Ong CK (eds) Tree-Crop Interactions — a Physiological Approach, Chapter 3. CAB International, Wallingford, UK
Van Noordwijk M and Brouwer G (1995) Roots as sinks and sources of carbon and nutrients in agricultural systems. Advances in Agroecology (in press)
Van Noordwijk M, Lawson G, Groot JJR and Hairiah K (in press) Root distribution in relation to nutrients and competition. In: Huxley PA and Ong CK (eds) Tree-Crop Interactions — a Physiological Approach, Chapter 10. CAB International, Wallingford, UK
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1995 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Van Noordwijk, M., Purnomosidhi, P. (1995). Root architecture in relation to tree-soil-crop interactions and shoot pruning in agroforestry. In: Sinclair, F.L. (eds) Agroforestry: Science, Policy and Practice. Forestry Sciences, vol 47. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-0681-0_8
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-0681-0_8
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-90-481-4610-9
Online ISBN: 978-94-017-0681-0
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive