Post-Transplant Root System Expansion in Juniperus chinensis L. as Influenced by Production System Mechanical Root Disruption and Soil Type

Abstract

Juniperus chinensis (L.) ‘Sea Green’ from 3.8 1 (#.1) containers (CG) and comparably sized field grown plants balled and burlapped (B&B) were planted in clay and loam soil in mid-June. Prior to transplanting, root balls of the CG plants were either mechanlcally disrupted by vertical cuts (D/CG) or left undisturbed (CG). Root growth beyond the original root ball and shoot extension growth in loam soil were determined at 8 and 12 weeks, while similar data were collected from loam and clay soils at 16 wks. B&B plants and D/CG plants produced greater dry weight of new roots, but less shoot growth at 8 wks than CG plants with an undisturbed root ball. By 16 wks, B&B plants had produced greater new root dry weight than either CG treatment and shoot growth was not different among treatments. In clay soil B&B plants produced greater dry weight of new roots than CG plants. Root ball disruption reduced new root growth in the heavy soil compared to CG plants. Shoot growth was not different among treatments in the heavy soil, but was significantly diminished compared to shoot growth on the lighter, loam soil.