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Published on: January 16, 2014
Roots and associated fungi drive long-term carbon sequestration in boreal forest
K E Clemmensen1, A Bahr, O Ovaskainen
1Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden. karina.clemmensen@slu.se
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|March 30, 2013
Summary
Boreal forest soils store significant carbon, primarily from roots and associated microbes, not just plant litter. This finding challenges traditional views on forest carbon cycling and organic matter accumulation.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Soil Science
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Boreal forest soils are critical carbon sinks.
- Aboveground plant litter is traditionally considered the main source of soil organic matter.
- Understanding carbon accumulation mechanisms is vital for global carbon cycle research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the primary sources of soil organic matter in boreal forests.
- To explore the role of roots and associated microorganisms in carbon storage.
- To examine how fungal communities influence carbon dynamics during forest succession.
Main Methods:
- Utilized radiocarbon (14C) bomb-carbon modeling to trace carbon sources.
- Analyzed fungal biomarkers to assess residue degradation and preservation.
- Employed 454 pyrosequencing and stable isotope analyses to identify microbial roles.
Main Results:
- 50-70% of stored soil carbon originates from roots and root-associated microbes.
- Fungal biomarkers suggest reduced degradation and preservation of residues in later successional forests.
- Root-associated fungi are identified as key regulators of ecosystem carbon dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Root-derived organic matter plays a dominant role in boreal forest soil carbon accumulation.
- Forest succession impacts fungal activity, affecting carbon preservation.
- An alternative mechanism for organic matter accumulation in boreal forests is proposed, driven by root contributions.
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