A new method for placing and lifting root meshes for estimating fine root production in forest ecosystems

Abstract

We describe a new and easy technique for placing and lifting root meshes to estimate fine root production in forest ecosystems. The method improves upon previously proposed mesh placement techniques by using a sharp stainless steel blade and two thin stainless steel sheets to insert mesh more easily and accurately in the soil, and utilizing a narrow garden spade to lift the soil block containing the mesh. The proposed technique takes significantly less time than the widely used ingrowth core method, causes minimal disturbance to the soil, and requires only simple equipment. The detailed documentation of the method provided herein should improve estimations of fine root production in forest ecosystems.