Travis Idol
Forest Ecologist
Non Forest Service
My favorite science experience was measuring the growth of roots into mesh bags filled with soil. The bags were placed in holes in the ground in forests of different ages. That way, we could tell how fast the roots were growing. That would tell us how much energy and biomass the trees were sending belowground where it is not normally visible.
The youngest forests (only 5 years old) had the fastest root growth but also the most rapid root death. These facts make sense because young trees have to grow roots, shoots, and leaves quickly to compete with their neighbors. After the forest ages, the fewer but bigger trees have well-established root systems and leaf canopies, and thus don’t have to compete as intensely.
Featured from Natural Inquirer
In this FACTivity, you will explore the reasons the scientists in this study might have chosen to be involved in the study.
FACTivity – Koa Constrictors
In this FACTivity, you will explore the reasons the scientists in this study might have chosen to be involved in the study.
Koa is one of the most valued of tropical woods. A particular type of koa tree, called Acacia koa, is found in the Hawaiian Islands. The wood from this tree...
Koa Constrictors: Studying Things That Slow the Growth of Koa Crop Trees
Koa is one of the most valued of tropical woods. A particular type of koa tree, called Acacia koa, is found in the Hawaiian Islands. The wood from this tree...
