INVESTIGATION OF FINE ROOTS OF PICEA-ABIES ECOSYSTEM IN THE NORTHERN SLOVAKIA

An investigation of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) K a r s t.) fine r oots (diameter less than or equal to 2 mm) on monitoring plots in the area of Beskids is presented. Both monitoring plots are situated in th e spruce forest ecosystem. While the first plot has been loaded by imm ission impact of longer duration, the second one was selected as a con trol plot. We applied a method of ingrowth cores (senzu Persson, 1990) . Results refer to quantitative and qualitative changes of fine roots on each plot. Most differences occurred in LFH layer, where biomass of treatment plot represented 49% of control one only Total fine root bi omass on the control plot was 430 g.m(-2), while on the treatment plot it was 260 g.m(-2). The total necromass weight on the treatment plot was 175 g.m(-2) (dry weight).