Morphological and functional variability in the root system of Quercus ilex L. subject to confinement:: consequences for afforestation

We examined root morphological and functional differences caused by restrictions imposed to vertical growth in the root system of holm oak ( Quercus ilex L.) seedlings to assess the consequences of using nursery containers in the development of a confined root system for this species. Thus, root morphological, topological and functional parameters, including hydraulic conductance per leaf unit surface area ( K-RL), were investigated in one-year seedlings cultivated in three PVC tubes differing in length ( 20, 60 and 100 cm). Longer tubes showed greater projected root area, root volume, total and fine root lengths, specific root length ( S-RL) and K-RL values than did shorter tubes. On the other hand, the length of coarse roots ( diameter > 4.5 mm) and the average root diameter were greater in shorter tubes. The strong positive correlation found between K-RL and S-RL ( r = + 0.69; P < 0.001) indicated that root thickness was inversely related to water flow through the root system. We concluded that root systems developed in longer tubes are more efficient for plant water uptake and, therefore, changes in root pattern produced in standard forest containers ( i.e. about 20 cm length) may in fact prevent a proper establishment of the holm oak in the field, particularly in xeric environments.