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Root Channels and Roots in Forest Soils¹

ABSTRACT

The frequency, size, and stages in the development of vertical channels formed in the soil through the decay of the roots of hardwood trees are reported for a site located in southeastern Ohio. Data were obtained by exposing the soil profile by trenching. A diagram was prepared showing the location of root channels and living roots. Additional data on channels were obtained by probing the soil with a flexible wand to locate regions of low resistance which indicated the presence of vertical root channels. The vertical channels found exceeded 4,000 per acre. The estimate is low because not all channels could be discovered by the means employed. It is likely that vertical channels are interconnected by lateral channels formed by decayed root systems. Because channels contain materials relatively more permeable to water than the surrounding soil horizons, it is probable than the channels serve as pathways for the rapid movement of a large part of the free water in the soil profile.

¹ Presented before Section Va, Soil Science Society of America, State College, Pa., August 30, 1951.

² Soil Scientist, Central States Forest Experiment Station, Athens, Ohio.