Root deformations
Roots are compartments responsible for anchoring a tree or plant in growth substratum as well as for nutrient and water uptake.
The stability of forest trees is essencial, therefore, as for planting stock of forest trees the architecture of root systems must not be malformed by inadequate operations or improper handling in the nursery or at planting.
A weekly anchored root system of forest trees can have a serious effect on the mechanical stability of the tree (LINDRSTRÖM et al., 1999).
Deformated root system of Larix decidua caused by improper transplanting of juvenile seedling into a container. The sample from collection of root deformation types owned by FGMRI is depicted. Foto: Baláš (2008)
Root system of Oak (Quercus) tree deformed probably by planting into small planting hole. The sample from collection of root deformation types owned by FGMRI is depicted. Foto: Baláš (2008)
Naturally developed root system without deformations. The sample from collection of root deformation types owned by FGMRI is depicted. Foto: Baláš (2008)
Spiral deformation caused by inconvenient (slowly decomposable or non-decomposable) netting material of peat tablets. The sample from collection of root deformation types owned by FGMRI is depicted. Foto: Baláš (2008)
Tangled roots (tangle deformation) of 14-year-old birch (Betula) caused by planting into an inadequatelly small planting hole. Foto: Kuneš (2012)
Literature:
LINDRSTRÖM, A., RUNE G., 1999: Root deformation in plantations of container-grown Scots pine trees: effects on root growth, tree stability and stem straightness. Plant and Soil, Volume 217, Numbers 1-2, pp. 29-37.
Thanks are accorded to Mrs. Ing. Jarmila Nárovcová, Ph.D. from Forestry and Game Management Research Institute (FGMRI), Forest Research Station at Opocno for giving us the opportunity to take the photos of root deformations.