Abstract
Advancing our understanding of tree fine root dynamics is of high importance for tree physiology and forest biogeochemistry. In temperate broad-leaved forests, ectomycorrhizal (EM) and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) tree species often are coexisting. It is not known whether EM and AM trees differ systematically in fine root dynamics and belowground resource foraging strategies. We measured fine root productivity (FRP) and fine root turnover (and its inverse, root longevity) of three EM and three AM broad-leaved tree species in a natural cool-temperate mixed forest using ingrowth cores and combined the productivity data with data on root biomass per root orders. FRP and root turnover were related to root morphological traits and aboveground productivity. FRP differed up to twofold among the six coexisting species with larger species differences in lower horizons than in the topsoil. Root turnover varied up to fivefold among the species with lowest values in Acer pseudoplatanus and highest in its congener Acer platanoides. Variation in root turnover was larger within the two groups than between EM and AM species. We conclude that the main determinant of FRP and turnover in this mixed forest is species identity, while the influence of mycorrhiza type seems to be less important.
Highlights
Leaves and fine roots are the organs that supply the plant with energy, water and nutrients
We examined the fine root productivity (FRP) of each three co-occurring EM and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) tree species in a natural temperate broadleaf mixed forest employing a modified ingrowth core technique according to Meinen et al (2009b) and Hertel et al (2013) combined with root coring for biomass determination
We focus on FRP and root lifespan of the six tree species, testing the hypotheses that (i) coexisting AM and EM tree species differ in fine root turnover and root productivity, reflecting different nutrient acquisition strategies, (ii) FRP increases with decreasing mean fine root diameter of the species (Eissenstat, 1991), and (iii) FRP is higher, and root lifespan shorter, in tree species with higher aboveground productivity
Summary
Leaves and fine roots are the organs that supply the plant with energy, water and nutrients. While the annual production of leaf mass and the phenology of leaf formation and abscission are measured in temperate deciduous trees, it is much more difficult to investigate the production and turnover of fine roots (conventionally defined as roots
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