3.2. Root biomass and root to leaf area index
Root biomass decreased exponentially in the plantations at both
coastal and Piedmont locations (Fig. 4). At the coastal natural forest,
we observed a dense network of shallow lateral roots growing
at 10–40 cm depth connected to sinker roots. At the Piedmont natural
hardwood forest, a dimorphic root profile was evident represented
by a shallow and a deep system of lateral roots.