Poster Sessions Concurrent Sessions Conference Proceedings Oak Symposium Home This paper was not included in the Symposium Proceedings.	Pre-Symposium Abstract of Paper Assessing the Influence of Irrigation on the Root Development of Three California Oak Species Laurence R. Costello Environmental Horticulture Advisor, University of California Cooperative Extension, San Mateo and San Francisco Counties Douglas D. McCreary Natural Resource Specialist, University of California Integrated Hardwood and Range Management Program and Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center Katherine Jones Horticulture Associate, University of California Cooperative Extension, San Mateo and San Francisco Counties Guidelines for the natural and artificial regeneration of native oaks in California have been based largely on research identifying optimal conditions for top growth. Few studies have investigated the influence of cultural practices on root development. Recent research, however, suggests that factors which enhance top growth do not necessarily enhance root development. This study investigated the effects of irrigation on the root development of container-grown oak species. Five-gallon oaks (Q. lobata, Q. agrifolia, and Q. douglasii) were irrigated at two levels of reference evapotranspiration (0.25 and 0.5) after being established for one year at the Bay Area Research and Extension Center in Santa Clara, California. Controls were not irrigated. Treatments have continued for three years and all plants will be excavated and measured in summer, 2001. Measurements of root mass, shoot mass, and root distribution will provide key information for the development of irrigation guidelines for optimal growth of container oaks both above-ground and below-ground.
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