Shoot:Root Ratio Is of Limited Use in Evaluating the Quality of Container Conifer Stock

The ratio of shoot dry mass to root dry mass, or shoot:root ratio, is sometimes used to evaluate the drought avoidance potential of container conifer stock. A review of published data from plantation trials reveals, however, that this relationship does not hold for container conifer seedlings. It is argued that the particular cultural conditions of container production favor root proliferation beyond strict physiological needs and that, once outplanted, the root plug-soil interface imposes a stronger limit on water and nutrient absorption by the seedlings than the roots themselves. Tree Planters' Notes 46(3):102-106; 1995.

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Author(s): Pierre Y. Bernier, Mohammed S. Lamhamedi, David G. Simpson

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volumes 46, Number 3 (1995)

Section: Peer Reviewed and Refereed Article

Volume: 46

Number: 3