Biomass of root and shoot systems of <i>Quercus coccifera</i> shrublands in Eastern Spain

Abstract

Belowground and aboveground biomass of kermes oak shrublands (Quercus coccifera L.), an evergreen sclerophyllous species common in garrigue communities in Spain, have been studied by controlled excavation and harvesting. Aboveground biomass has been measured on 320 1-m 2 plots. Total biomass varies with age and ranges between 0.4 (7 months) to 2.8 kg m -2 D.M. (> 40 year), and leaf biomass increases with age until 6-8 years (0.56 kg m -2 D.M.) and then decreases and reaches a steady state around 0.35 kg m -2 D.M. (> 40 year). Total belowground biomass ranges from 34 to 81 mg ha -1 D.M., including rhizomes and lignotubers. Roots and rhizomes were concentrated in the uppermost 15 to 35 cm of the soils. The root area always exceeded the shoot area. The average dry weight root:shoot ratio was 3.5, ranging from 2.61 to 4.73. It is quite higher than that of other Mediterranean ecosystems.