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Mapping tree root systems with ground-penetrating radar.

Jiri Hruska¹, Jan Cermák, Svatopluk Sustek

¹Geofyzka a.s., Division of General Geophysics, Jecná 29a, P.O. Box 62, 61246 Brno, Czech Republic.

Tree Physiology

|March 26, 2003

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Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) noninvasively mapped oak tree root systems. Larger root systems relative to crowns suggest drier soil conditions, indicating GPR

Area of Science:

Forest ecology
Geophysics
Plant science

Background:

Understanding tree root system architecture is crucial for ecological studies.
Oak trees (Quercus petraea) are ecologically significant, but their root distribution is not fully understood.
Previous studies often lack detailed, non-invasive root system mapping.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the 3D distribution of coarse root systems in large oak trees.
To assess the relationship between root system size and crown spread.
To evaluate the utility of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) for studying tree root systems.

Main Methods:

Utilized a pulse EKKO 1000 ground-penetrating radar (GPR) system.
Employed a 450 MHz signal frequency for high-resolution imaging (approx. 3 cm).

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Established a dense profile grid (0.25 x 0.25 m) for detailed spatial analysis.

Main Results:

Determined coarse root density: 6.5 m/m² (stand area) and 3.3 m/m³ (soil volume).
Found maximum rooting depth of 2 meters.
Observed root ground plan was 1.5 times larger than the crown ground plan.

Conclusions:

The large root-to-crown ground plan ratio suggests water-limited conditions at the study site.
GPR is a non-invasive, efficient method for mapping coarse root system distribution.
Findings provide insights into oak tree adaptation to dry environments.