The aim of this research was to determine how the biomass of roots is influenced by age of stands, site productivity and whether there are any differences between proportions of individual thickness fractions in beech stands on the dolomited bedrock. Therefore, two beech sites with different productivity were selected and 3 plots in various developmental stages were mapped out. On these plots the stands were measured and subsequently the growing stock, basal area and stand density were found out. In each plot 30 soil cores were obtained. Roots were classified according to its depth and thickness classes and their length and weight were determined. Roots analysis results showed that the soil was deeper in the more productive growing area and that the roots of the less productive site are longer. Differences between plots by means of roots length were observed mainly in the upper soil layers with the thinnest root thickness class. It was found out that relationship between root length and stand basal area is positive while relationship between root length and stand density or distance to the tree is negative. By means of roots weight no differences were found between plots nor any relation to the aboveground stand parameters. From the results it can be concluded that the amount of roots is in relation to age of stands and that the proportion of individual thickness fractions depend on stand productivity.
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