Thuja occidentalis "Smaragd" root system growth modeling, grown using above ground pot-in-pot

Voronezh State University of Forestry and Technologies named after G.F. Morozov, 394087, Voronezh, Russia

^* Corresponding author: vsealexey@mail.ru

Abstract

Growing planting material in containers is the most optimal way to produce plants in nurseries. At the same time, there are factors limiting the use of containers in the forestry practice. The temperature regime plays an essential role in this case. High temperature is the main limiting factor affecting the vital processes intensity in a plant. The introduction of modern technologies of the closed root system planting material cultivation is one of the ways to reduce the destructive impact. This article conducts an analytical study of the Thuja occidentalis "Smaragd" root system density distribution, depending on the depth and angle of orientation in 5 l containers using 7.5 l, 10 l and 15 l pots as screens, as well as without shielding, to establish the influence of this technology element on the cultivated ornamental plants growth activity and quality. Based on optical recognition of several photographs and neural network combining of the results, cartograms and graphs of the root density distribution were obtained. Research has shown that 5 l in 10 l and 5 l in 15 l are the optimal combinations of containers, as they provide uniform root growth on all sides of the container and high root density.