Improving power law fitting of root tensile strength–diameter relationships

Purpose

The relationship between root tensile strengths and diameters is often fitted using power law curves. More accurate fitting methodologies were developed, investigating a) the validity of least-squares regression assumptions underlying existing methods, b) how to best quantify intra-diameter variation, and c) whether to fit in terms of tensile strength or tensile force at failure.

Methods

Regression and maximum likelihood estimation were used to fit various power law models. 6461 tensile strength measurements from 153 existing datasets, covering 103 different plant species, were used to compare models.

Results

The intra-diameter variation in root strength is proportional to the average strength at each diameter, and is best described using a gamma distribution. When using linear regression on log-transformed measurements, a mathematical correction must be used to avoid underestimating the actual strength (18% on average). Compared to fitting tensile strengths, fitting in terms of root forces at failure was less reliable; the extra emphasis this method places on the effect of large diameters roots was not appropriate because of the typical abundance of thin roots in the field relative to those tested in tension. Average power law fits were proposed for broadleaved trees, conifers, shrubs, grasses and forbs.

Conclusion

Power law curves should be fitted in terms of root strength rather than root forces at failure, using the newly developed fitting methods that simultaneously fit both the inter-diameter (power law) and intra-diameter variation and can account for fitting bias. This will increase the reliability of future root reinforcement predictions.