Effectiveness of Root Detector Tool in Estimating the Distribution of Tree Roots of Agathis loranthifolia Salisb.

Abstract

Tree root distribution plays an important role in various functions of trees. A root detector is a non-destructive technology acoustic base that can estimate the radial distribution of tree roots. This study aims to analyze root distribution revealed by a root detector on the tree with a root collar that appeared and was veiled in the soil. The testing was carried out on the ground soil surface where the root was detected. Excavating the soil was done to measure root diameter, root depth, as well as inclination position of the root. Statistical analysis was developed to determine the relationship between parameters. The result showed that a strong correlation was found between sound wave velocity from the tool and root diameter for both appeared and veiled roots of 0.973 and 0.899, respectively. A moderate correlation was found between sound wave velocity and appeared (0.790) and veiled roots (0.872).  Meanwhile, sound wave velocity had a low correlation on the appeared (0.422) and veiled roots (0.588). Based on the root collar, the appeared root had a significant correlation in determining the root presence compared to the veiled root in using a root detector.