B-Tree (Austria)
B-Tree, planted in April 2013, represents the typical mixtures of a warm lowland forests of Austria. The effects of tree diversity on growth, water relations, rhizosphere diversity and C sequestration will be investigated.
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| The experiment in 2014 |
Design
The full factorial design consists of monoculture plots and plots of 2 or 4 species. The planted 2-species mixtures will allow the comparison of blocks dominated by tree species associated with ectomycorrhizal fungi (Carpinus and Quercus) or arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Tilia and Acer). Each monoculture or species mixture is replicated 4 times. The trees are planted in a hexagonal design with 1 m distance between each tree, which will allow thinning after canopy closure.
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| The plots at the B-Tree site |
Site characteristics
| location | Tulln, Lower Austria |
|---|---|
| former land use | grassland with trees |
| altitude | 200 m |
| soil type | moist chernozem |
| area | 1.2 ha |
| no of plots | 44 |
| plot size | |
| no of trees planted | 11 000 |
| planting date | April 2013 |
| diversity variables | species richness mycorrhizal type |
| diversity gradient | 1, 2, 4 sp. AM or EM fungi |
| size species pool | 4 |
| species pool | Acer platanoides, Carpinus betulus, Quercus robur, Tilia cordata |
| contact person | Douglas Godbold |
Research
Studies will focus on the effects of tree diversity on tree growth, water relations, rhizosphere diversity and C sequestration.
Extra information
For more information on the B-Tree experiment, send an e-mail to the contact persons or explore the publications:
