| |
| Fractal geometry is a potential new approach to the analysis of root architecture which may offer improved ways to quantify and summarize root system complexity as well as yield ecological and physiological insights into the functional relevance of specific architectural patterns. Otherwise, fractal analysis is a sensitive measure of root branching intensity and fractal dimension expresses the ‘space filling’ properties of a structure. The objective of this study was to find out the fractal characteristics of root system in the hinterland of Taklimakan desert in China. The whole root system of two naturally species was excavated and exposed with shovels in 2007.These species includes: Tamarix taklamakanensis, alligonum roborovskii.
A one-factorial ANOVA with species as factor showed a highly significant effect on fractal dimension, the difference of fractal dimension indicates the otherness of root branching pattern. The regression between link diameter and q, were not significant for either species .So the ratio of the sum of root cross-sectional areas after a bifurcation to the cross-sectional area before bifurcation, and the distribution of the cross-sectional areas after bifurcation ,q are the ubiquitous characters of root system. In this paper ,we find the significant linear relationships between the diameter after branching and root length, biomass respectively, because root branching is self-similar and branching rules are the same for roots of all sizes, root lengths，root biomass for the root systems of whole trees can then be estimated by measuring the diameter of each root at the base of the trunk or diameter after branching. The study showed that diameter of each root at the base of the trunk or diameter after branching are effective indexes which can measured easily to estimate the root lengths, biomass and other parameter of root architecture.
|
|
| Keywords:Taklimakan desert, root system, root architecture, fractal dimension, root length, root biomass |
|
