Variations in root chemistry of three common forest species, southwestern China

Abstract

Root chemistry varies with tree species and root diameter but little information is available about Tibetan forest species. The root chemistry of three root diameter classes (fine: 0–2 mm, medium: 2–5 mm, coarse: 5–10 mm) of three subalpine species (Abies faxoniana Rehd. and Wild, Picea asperata Mast., and Betula albosinensis Burkill) were investigated. Carbon concentrations, and carbon/nitrogen and carbon/phosphorus ratios increased but nitrogen, phosphorus and nitrogen/phosphorus ratios decreased with increasing root diameter. The roots of the conifers had higher carbon levels, and higher carbon/nitrogen and carbon/phosphorus ratios than birch roots. The opposite was found with nitrogen and phosphorus levels and nitrogen/phosphorus ratios. Lignin concentrations decreased but cellulose concentrations increased with greater root diameters. The results indicate that diameter-associated variations in root chemistry may regulate their contribution to detrital pools which has important implications for below-ground carbon and nutrient cycles in these subalpine forests.