Root system architecture of Beech (Fagus orientalis) seedlings: applications in bioengineering

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Forestry and Forest Economics, Faculty of Natural Resources, University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.

10.22059/jfwp.2025.405812.1378

Abstract

Plant root architecture is crucial for stability, as well as for the absorption of water and nutrients and the stabilization of soil. In this study, root architecture was investigated in the context of its application in soil bioengineering. To achieve this, 69 beech seedlings (28 seedlings from a hill with a 10% slope and 41 seedlings from a 60% slope) were extracted from the soil using the Shovelomics method. Four primary characteristics of the root system were analyzed and ranked, and mechanical strength tests were also conducted on root samples. The findings indicated that the ratio of maximum rooting depth to stem length on slopes of 10% and 60% was 32.23% and 28.94%, respectively. Furthermore, the ratio of root system diameter (i.e., root mat) to seedling crown diameter was 43.80% and 63.38% for the 10% and 60% slopes, respectively. ANCOVA results revealed that while stem length was a significant covariate, slope did not significantly influence root depth but had a significant effect on root system diameter. A positive correlation was also observed between seedling height and maximum rooting depth. The most frequent root architecture patterns observed on both slopes were classified as VH, followed by V, which are considered suitable for slope stabilization. The mechanical resistance of the seedlings fell within the range documented for mature oriental beech trees. Further ANCOVA results indicated that slope did not significantly affect the mechanical resistance of roots. Understanding root system architecture can greatly assist in the selection of bioengineering systems and in assessing the suitability of each species for specific applications.

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Forest and Wood Products
Volume 78, Issue 4
February 2026
Pages 433-442

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