The focus of the research is to contrast the proliferation responses of co-occurring fine- and coarse-rooted tree species in nutrient-rich patches. Because the forest soil is a matrix of roots of numerous tree species, absorptive roots are difficult to isolate. To circumvent this problem, the research will isolate larger diameter lateral roots by tracing the root back to the target tree. After isolation, the root will be placed into a root bag to assess rates of absorptive root growth arising from the larger diameter lateral. The bags will be amended with and without fertilizer to simulate a patchy environment. The study will also examine differences in root morphology, chemistry, and mycorrhizal colonization that might influence proliferation and resource acquisition. Sites are located in the Penn State Stone Valley Forest. The following fine-rooted (high SRL) tree species will be examined: Acer pensylvanicum (striped maple), Acer rubrum (red maple), Cercis canadensis (redbud), Cornus florida (flowering dogwood), Fraxinus americana (white ash), Prunus serotina (black cherry), Ulmus americana (American elm), Ulmus rubra (slippery elm) and the following coarse-rooted (low-SRL) species: Hamamelis virginiana (witch-hazel), Juglans nigra (black walnut), Lindera benzoin (spicebush), Liriodendron tulipifera (tulip-poplar), Magnolia acuminata (cucumbertree), and Sassafras albidum (sassafras). The results of this work will provide insight into how species in a mixed-forest community might exploit soil heterogeneity.

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