• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
• /
• v.43 no.3
• /
• pp.52-62
• /
• 2015

This study conducted an experiment to clarify the effect of rubber bands used as a root connector during the process of transplanting landscape trees on the development of the root system and the rooting process. The research period was four years, from April 2007 to April 2011, and the test conducted for this study was performed at the experimental field located at 398-2 Bangdong-ri, Sacheon-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do. Twenty 15-year-old Pinus densiflora Siebold & Zucc. with good growth conditions were harvested and transplanted from the forest in Jebi-ri, Gujeong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do for the field experiment. A completely randomized design was applied for plot design, with 10 pines without rubber bands and 10 pines with rubber bands. Pinus densiflora for. multicaulis Uyeki was selected as the official tree of the pot test and was planted in a transparent pot to observe the development of the root system. A completely randomized design was applied for plot design, with 3 pines without rubber bands and 3 pines with rubber bands. The results of this research on the effect of rubber bands used as a root connector on root system development and the rooting process are as follows. 1. The rate of height growth in the field test was 4.1% lower in the trees with rubber bands when compared to trees without rubber bands. Trees with rubber bands were 4.2% wider than those without rubber bands in root diameter. The chlorophyll content was 6.8% higher in trees without rubber bands, but the rate of height growth, root diameter, and chlorophyll content were not significantly correlated. 2. In the comparison of fresh root weight in the field test, trees with rubber banding had roots weighing 1,740.0kg and those without rubber bands had roots weighing 1,433.3kg. Root dry weight was 522.3g in trees with rubber bands and 450.0g in those without rubber bands, but showed no significant difference depending on whether the rubber band was attached. 3. In a comparison of root number between surfaces touching and not touching the rubber band in trees with rubber banding, the surface touching the rubber band was observed to have more roots growing, the difference of which was deemed significant. 4. The shoot growth rate in the pot test was 1.1% higher in trees without rubber bands when compared with trees with rubber bands. The chlorophyll content was 0.02 higher in trees with rubber bands but the difference was not significant. 5. In the pot test, no significance was found in comparison of root number, root length, and root dry weight in trees with and without rubber bands. These test results imply that removing rubber bands as a connector does not present any significant effects on the ground growth or root development of transplanted pine trees. As it is shown that surface touching rubber bands grow more roots in trees with rubber bands, more active related research must be undertaken.