Asymmetric belowground carbon transfer in a diverse tree community
Shifra Avital1, Ido Rog1, Stav Livne-Luzon1
1Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
Molecular Ecology
|April 22, 2022
Summary
Carbon transfer between trees via mycorrhizal fungi is asymmetric. Oak trees are better carbon donors, while pistacia and cypress are better recipients, impacting forest resilience.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Forest Science
- Mycology
Background:
- Mycorrhizal fungi facilitate carbon exchange between trees.
- Carbon transfer dynamics among diverse tree species remain unclear.
- Understanding inter-tree carbon sharing is crucial for forest ecosystem function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the symmetry of carbon transfer among five Mediterranean tree species.
- To identify which tree species act as carbon donors and recipients.
- To explore the role of mycorrhizal fungi in mediating carbon transfer.
Main Methods:
- A microcosm system with five Mediterranean tree species (both ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular plants) was established.
- Trees were planted in natural soil containing native mycorrhizal fungi.
- Individual tree species were pulse-labeled with 13CO2 to trace carbon transfer.
Main Results:
- Carbon transfer between tree species was found to be asymmetric.
- Oak species were identified as superior carbon donors.
- Pistacia and cypress species were identified as superior carbon recipients.
- Mycorrhizal species presence facilitated transfer, but diversity did not influence transfer amount or timing.
Conclusions:
- Belowground interactions and asymmetric carbon exchange are significant in diverse tree communities.
- Asymmetric carbon transfer among cohabiting tree species may enhance forest resilience.
- Mycorrhizal networks play a vital role in mediating these hidden belowground interactions.
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