Abstract
Understanding the temporal variation of soil and root dynamics is a major step towards determining net carbon in ecosystems. We describe the installation and structure of an in situ soil observatory and sensing network consisting of an automated minirhizotron with associated soil and atmospheric sensors. Ectomycorrhizal hyphae were digitized daily during 2011 in a Mediterranean climate, high-elevation coniferous forest. Hyphal length was high, but stable during winter in moist and cold soil. As soil began to warm and dry, simultaneous mortality and production indicating turnover followed precipitation events. Mortality continued through the dry season, although some hyphae persisted through the extremes. With autumn monsoons, rapid hyphal re-growth occurred following each event. Relative hyphal length is dependent upon soil temperature and moisture. Soil respiration is related to the daily change in hyphal production, but not hyphal mortality. Continuous sensor and observation systems can provide more accurate assessments of soil carbon dynamics.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
