In this study we investigated the significance of roots for the water storage capacity of hydromorphic forest soils in the northern Pre-Alps of Switzerland. Irrigation experiments were conducted on 1 m² plots with high initial soil water content. A total of 67 horizons were investigated for water content variations using time domain reflectometry (TDR). The data was processed using a physically based model, which assumes gravity-driven and viscosity-controlled water flow along pore walls in the form of thin water films. The model calculates the contact length (L) between mobile water and the stationary parts of the soil water system in the horizontal plane. L characterises porosity which is effectively involved in water flow. A multiple linear regression analysis of all investigated horizons, including root density, bulk density and texture as predictors for L, demonstrated that the root density had the best explanatory value for L (R² = 0.63). Thus, it can be assumed that increases in root density increase water storage capacity. Considering the extent of hydromorphicity in horizons, the relationship between root density and contact length was only significant in topsoils and hydromorphic subsoils.
An increase of root density by 50% in hydromorphic subsoils would increase short-time water storage capacity from 0.03 to 0.05 m³/m³, while higher root densities in topsoils did not increase water storage capacities. To improve the water retention potential of flood protection forests on hydromorphic soils, we suggest promoting deep-rooting species which are able to sustain anaerobic periods in soils.