Factors Influencing Root Biomass in Japanese Forests

Abstract

The relationship between root biomass and stand and site factors were examined using the root biomass data provided by previous reports. It was shown that tree species, stand age, and parent materials strongly correlated with root biomass. On the other hand, root biomass were influenced little by soil type and stand site. Estimation of root biomass showed a significant amount and indicated its considerable role in the functions of carbon storage in forests. Thus, root biomass as well as aboveground biomass, the mass of deposited organic matter, and the amount of soil organic matter are very important factors in the carbon storage of forest resources.