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Adaptive root foraging strategies along a boreal-temperate forest gradient.
Ivika Ostonen1, Marika Truu1, Heljä-Sisko Helmisaari2
1Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, 46 Vanemuise, Tartu, 51014, Estonia.
The New Phytologist
|June 7, 2017
Summary
Forest root systems adapt to changing climates by altering foraging strategies. Fine root biomass increases, root tips lengthen, and microbial communities shift along climate and soil gradients.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Forest Science
- Mycology
Background:
- The tree root-mycorhizosphere is crucial for forest resource uptake and adaptation to environmental change.
- Understanding adaptive foraging mechanisms is key to predicting forest responses to climate shifts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the adaptive foraging mechanisms of ectomycorrhizal (EcM) and fine roots of Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris, and Betula pendula.
- To analyze relationships between root system functional traits and climate, soil, and stand characteristics across a temperate to subarctic boreal gradient.
Main Methods:
- Studied 38 European forest sites (48°N to 69°N).
- Assessed absorptive fine root biomass and morphology, nitrogen (N) concentration, extramatrical mycelium (EMM) biomass, EcM fungal communities, and soil/rhizosphere bacteria.
- Analyzed relationships with climate, soil C:N ratio, and stand characteristics.
Main Results:
- Absorptive fine root biomass per stand basal area increased significantly from temperate to boreal forests.
- Root tips became longer and thinner with higher tissue density; EMM biomass per root length decreased.
- Soil C:N ratio explained most variability in root traits and microbial communities.
Conclusions:
- Forest root systems exhibit adaptive foraging strategies involving quantitative and qualitative changes.
- These strategies involve the root-mycorrhiza-bacteria continuum and are influenced by climate and soil C:N gradients.
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