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Updated: Oct 31, 2025

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An integrated framework of plant form and function: the belowground perspective.

Alexandra Weigelt1,2, Liesje Mommer3, Karl Andraczek1

  • 1Systematic Botany and Functional Biodiversity, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, 04103, Germany.

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|July 1, 2021
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Summary

This study integrates root traits into plant trait frameworks, revealing a four-dimensional plant trait space. This new understanding better explains plant function and ecosystem processes.

Keywords:
collaboration gradientconservation gradienteconomic gradientfunctional plant strategiesplant sizetrade-offstrait economics

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Plant Biology
  • Trait Ecology

Background:

  • Plant trait variation is crucial for ecosystem function, but research has primarily focused on aboveground traits.
  • Integrating belowground (root) traits is essential for a comprehensive understanding of plant form and function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and test a conceptual framework integrating root traits into existing plant trait frameworks.
  • To explore the multidimensional trait space encompassing both aboveground and belowground plant traits.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a novel framework integrating root trait gradients (conservation, collaboration, size) with aboveground traits.
  • Analyzed trait data from 2510 species, comparing relationships between above- and belowground traits.
  • Utilized multivariate analyses to define the whole-plant trait space.

Main Results:

  • An integrated whole-plant trait space requires four dimensions.
  • The primary axes represent a fast-slow 'conservation' gradient and a root 'collaboration' gradient.
  • Secondary axes represent independent plant size gradients for height and rooting depth.

Conclusions:

  • A four-dimensional trait space provides a more complete picture of plant trait variation.
  • This integrated perspective enhances our understanding of plant function and ecological influence.
  • Incorporating root traits is vital for advancing plant ecology and ecosystem science.