Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 27, 2025

Multipronged Phenotyping Approaches to Characterize Sugarcane Root Systems
Published on: August 17, 2022
Topography as a factor driving small-scale variation in tree fine root traits and root functional diversity in a
Kerstin Pierick1, Christoph Leuschner1,2, Jürgen Homeier1,2
1Plant Ecology and Ecosystems Research, University of Goettingen, Untere Karspüle 2, Göttingen, 37073, Germany.
Abstract:
We investigated the variation in tree fine root traits and their functional diversity along a local topographic gradient in a Neotropical montane forest to test if fine root trait variation along the gradient is consistent with the predictions of the root economics spectrum on a shift from acquisitive to conservative traits with decreasing resource supply. We measured five fine root functional traits in 179 randomly selected tree individuals of 100 species and analysed the variation of single traits (using Bayesian phylogenetic multilevel models) and of functional trait diversity with small-scale topography. Fine roots exhibited more conservative traits (thicker diameters, lower specific root length and nitrogen concentration) at upper slope compared with lower slope positions, but the largest proportion of variation (40-80%) was explained by species identity and phylogeny. Fine root functional diversity decreased towards the upper slopes. Our results suggest that local topography and the related soil fertility and moisture gradients cause considerable small-scale variation in fine root traits and functional diversity along tropical mountain slopes, with conservative root traits and greater trait convergence being associated with less favourable soil conditions due to environmental filtering. We provide evidence of a high degree of phylogenetic conservation in fine root traits.
Related Concept Videos
Survival Tree
Building a Survival Tree
Constructing a...
Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots
Water and Mineral Acquisition
Methods of Obtaining Topography
Basic Plant Anatomy: Roots, Stems, and Leaves
Xylem and Transpiration-driven Transport of Resources

