On the Below- and Aboveground Phenology in Deciduous Trees: Observing the Fine-Root Lifespan, Turnover Rate, and Phenology of Fagus sylvatica L., Quercus robur L., and Betula pendula Roth for Two Growing Seasons

We tested the relation between below- and aboveground tree phenology, determining if beech oak have a greater fine-root lifespan smaller turnover rate than birch thinner fine-roots or born in spring shorter thicker another season. The bud burst, leaf senescence Belgian stands were monitored using minirhizotrons, visual observations, chlorophyll measurements, respectively. phenology estimated generalized additive models Kaplan–Meier analyses, Unlike belowground did not show clear repeating yearly pattern. cumulative root surface remained stable for but peaked around summer to autumn 2019 2020. new count was larger mean of with diameter below 0.5 mm (308 399 days) those 1 (438 502 days), 2 (409 446 above (418 471 days). Fine-roots different seasons showed species-specific rate.