ROOT PRODUCTION IN FOUR COMMUNITIES IN THE GREAT DISMAL SWAMP

Abstract

A sequential coring approach was used to measure root biomass and production over 1 year in four different communities within the Great Dismal Swamp. A second method, an implanted bag technique, was also used to measure root production, and values were generally lower using this technique. On all sites, fine roots were the most dynamic root component. Both biomass (1,887 g/m 2 ) and production (354–989 g m 2 yr ‐1 ) were highest on the mixed hardwood site, the least flooded site, and second highest on the cedar site, the site with the longest duration of soil saturation (1,033 g/m 2 and 274–366 g m ‐2 yr ‐1 ). The maple‐gum (696 g/m 2 and 59–91 g m ‐2 yr ‐1 ) and cypress (824 g/m 2 and 68–308 g m ‐2 yr ‐1 ) sites had similarly low amounts of biomass and rates of production. Environmental parameters that influenced production include frequency and duration of flooding, and soil type. Peaks in belowground production were observed on the most productive sites (mixed hardwood and cedar) in summer and late fall‐winter; the other two sites exhibited little seasonal variability. The least flooded stand appears to allocate a greater percentage of net primary production belowground than the more extensively flooded stands. The ratio of above‐ and belowground allocation appears to change in response to a flooding gradient. This has major implications for ecosystem functions as carbon allocation patterns determine the array of litter types generated (leaves vs. roots) which affect decomposition rates and nutrient availability.