Metla Project 3489

Climate change and tree roots: Effects of soil frost and flooding on tree growth

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Duration: 2008-2012   Keywords: climate change, cold tolerance, flooding, hypoxia, mycorrhizas, roots, soil frost, soil oxygen deficiency, soil temperature, stress physiology
Research Programme: Functioning of forest ecosystems and use of forest resources in changing climate

Objectives

Soil frost and wintertime precipitation have been predicted to change at northern latitudes by climate warming. Therefore, root environmental conditions would change considerably. The aim of the study is to produce new information concerning the effects of soil frost, low soil temperature and hypoxia caused by flooding on roots and shoots of trees. The study is focused on the tree responses during winter dormancy and their consequences during the growing season. The effects of mycorrhizal infection on cold tolerance of roots and shoots will be studied. Earth electrical impedance method will be developed for monitoring root growth. Based on the new data on the tree responses and regional climate scenarios are aimed to evaluate the growth of main tree species in changing climate conditions.

More information:
Root Laboratory

Project leader: Repo, Tapani
The Finnish Forest Research Institute, Joensuu Office, PO Box 68 (Yliopistokatu 6), FI-80101 JOENSUU, FINLAND
Phone: +358 29 532 3136
E-mail: tapani.repo@metla.fi

Other researchers: Alm, Jukka, JO (2008-12), Finér, Leena, JO (2008-12), Homanen, Pertti (2011-12), Innanen, Saila (2009), Korhonen, Anna (2009-12), Pyy, Veera (2010), Roitto, Marja (2009-12), Saikkonen, Teemu (2009), Sirkiä, Seija, JO (2012), Sutinen, Sirkka, JO (2008-12), Sääskilahti, Mira (2010-11), Turpeenniemi, Tuomo (2012), Wang, Ai-Fang (2011)


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Updated 02.02.2013
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