Clustered Distribution of Tree Roots and Soil Water Exploitation

Abstract

A substantial number of experiments have shown root proliferation and concentration in nutrient-rich patches. This article focuses on root clustering observed on tree roots in forest stands and water uptake within these zones. Root clustering is seen as a rule in natural soils for optimized exploitation of aggregated resources. In summary, root distribution in nature is caused by two factors: (1) vertical gradients in soil organic mater and infiltration of precipitation, and (2) clusters of available nutrients accompanied by preferential uptake of the seepage water