This preprint is under consideration at Forest Ecosystems. A preprint is a preliminary version of a manuscript that has not completed peer review at a journal. Research Square does not conduct peer review prior to posting preprints. The posting of a preprint on this server should not be interpreted as an endorsement of its validity or suitability for dissemination as established information or for guiding clinical practice.
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Research
Zhenfeng Xu
Institution of Ecology and Forestry
Corresponding Author
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Background: The terminal branch orders of plant root systems are increasingly known as an ephemeral module. This concept is very crucial to recognize belowground processes. However, it is unknown if root modules still exist after they die?
Methods: The decomposition patterns of the first five root orders were observed for 3 years using a branch-order classification, a litter-bag method and sequential sampling in a common subalpine tree species (Picea asperata) of southwestern China.
Results: Two root modules were observed during the 3-year incubation. Among the first five branch orders, the first three order roots exhibited temporal patterns of mass loss, nutrients and stoichiometry distinct from their woody mother roots throughout the experimental period. This study, for the first time, reported the decomposition pattern of each individual root order and found a similar decomposition dynamic among ephemeral root branches in a forest tree species.
Conclusions: Results from this study clearly suggest that root modules may also exist after death, while more data are needed for confirmation. The findings may further advance our understanding of architecture-associated functional heterogeneity in fine-root system and also improve our ability to predict belowground processes.
Keywords
root branch order, fine roots, Picea asperata, nitrogen, phosphorus, stoichiometry, root decomposition
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CURRENT STATUS: Under Review
Version 1
Posted 05 Jan, 2021
No community comments so far
Editorial decision: Minor Revision
On 07 Feb, 2021
Review #2 received
Received 28 Jan, 2021
Review #1 received
Received 22 Jan, 2021
Reviewer #2 agreed
On 03 Jan, 2021
Reviewer #3 agreed
On 03 Jan, 2021
Reviewers invited
Invitations sent on 03 Jan, 2021
Reviewer #1 agreed
On 03 Jan, 2021
Editor assigned
On 28 Dec, 2020
Submission checks complete
On 28 Dec, 2020
Editor invited
On 28 Dec, 2020
First submitted
On 22 Dec, 2020
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This preprint is under consideration at Forest Ecosystems. A preprint is a preliminary version of a manuscript that has not completed peer review at a journal. Research Square does not conduct peer review prior to posting preprints. The posting of a preprint on this server should not be interpreted as an endorsement of its validity or suitability for dissemination as established information or for guiding clinical practice.
Learn more about In Review
Research
Zhenfeng Xu
Institution of Ecology and Forestry
Corresponding Author
Badges
Prescreen
This manuscript passed our Prescreen assessment
Complete author information
Appropriate declaration statements
Potential risks to human health
Prescreen
Peer Review Timeline
CURRENT STATUS: Under Review
Version 1
Posted 05 Jan, 2021
No community comments so far
Editorial decision: Minor Revision
On 07 Feb, 2021
Review #2 received
Received 28 Jan, 2021
Review #1 received
Received 22 Jan, 2021
Reviewer #2 agreed
On 03 Jan, 2021
Reviewer #3 agreed
On 03 Jan, 2021
Reviewers invited
Invitations sent on 03 Jan, 2021
Reviewer #1 agreed
On 03 Jan, 2021
Editor assigned
On 28 Dec, 2020
Submission checks complete
On 28 Dec, 2020
Editor invited
On 28 Dec, 2020
First submitted
On 22 Dec, 2020
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
Background: The terminal branch orders of plant root systems are increasingly known as an ephemeral module. This concept is very crucial to recognize belowground processes. However, it is unknown if root modules still exist after they die?
Methods: The decomposition patterns of the first five root orders were observed for 3 years using a branch-order classification, a litter-bag method and sequential sampling in a common subalpine tree species (Picea asperata) of southwestern China.
Results: Two root modules were observed during the 3-year incubation. Among the first five branch orders, the first three order roots exhibited temporal patterns of mass loss, nutrients and stoichiometry distinct from their woody mother roots throughout the experimental period. This study, for the first time, reported the decomposition pattern of each individual root order and found a similar decomposition dynamic among ephemeral root branches in a forest tree species.
Conclusions: Results from this study clearly suggest that root modules may also exist after death, while more data are needed for confirmation. The findings may further advance our understanding of architecture-associated functional heterogeneity in fine-root system and also improve our ability to predict belowground processes.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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