A Statistical Model of Root Geometry

Authors: Wu, Tien H.¹; Bettadapura, Dayanand P.¹; Beal, Philip E.¹

Source: Forest Science, Volume 34, Number 4, 1 December 1988 , pp. 980-997(18)

Publisher: Society of American Foresters

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Abstract:

The number, diameter, and length of lateral roots are related to the stem diameter of the tree. The diameter of branch roots is related to the diameter of the main lateral at the branch point. Statistical correlations were used to establish the relationships. Statistical correlations were also found for the change in root diameter and root orientation with distance along the root. These relations were used to formulate a model of root geometry, which allows one to estimate the frequency of root diameters as a function of distance from the stem of a tree with a given stem diameter. Application of the model to estimation of root density is described in an example problem. For. Sci. 34(4):980-997.

Keywords: Lateral roots; root geometry; root morphology

Document Type: Journal article

Affiliations: 1: Civil Engineer, Burgess and Niple Ltd., Columbus, OH 43221

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