Distribution of Fine Roots of Coniferous Trees over the Soil Profile under Conditions of Pollution by Emissions from a Copper-Smelting Plant

The distribution of fine conducting roots of Siberian spruce, Siberian fir, and Scotch pine over the soil profile was studied in the taiga ecosystems polluted with heavy metals and SO₂. Under conditions of heavy pollution, tree roots were not found in the forest litter. Regardless of the level of technogenic load, the largest amount of conducting roots concentrated in the upper layer of mineral soil.