Root adaptations of black spruce growing in water-saturated soil

Black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) is the main tree species growing within peatlands. The difficult conditions peatlands are associated with low individual wood productivity, and only tolerant to high ground water level can survive. We examine effect of water-saturated soil on growth potential black trees specific adaptation root system. Experimental mesocosms were constructed two drainage regimes (saturated well-drained conditions). measured biomass, height, diameter at stem base 55 saplings noted location each horizontal root. exhibited a very shallow system located above saturated commercial peat 19 years after experiment was initiated. Most roots adventitious in mesocosms. Overall aerial biomass accumulation under significantly lower than that Interestingly, root–shoot ratios similar across regimes. Soil induced trees, physiological stress affected entire productivity all components (stem, branches, system). However, distribution remained