Do Root Modules Still Exist after they Die?
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.
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Posted 05 Jan, 2021
On 07 Feb, 2021
Received 28 Jan, 2021
Received 22 Jan, 2021
On 03 Jan, 2021
On 03 Jan, 2021
Invitations sent on 03 Jan, 2021
On 03 Jan, 2021
On 28 Dec, 2020
On 28 Dec, 2020
On 28 Dec, 2020
On 22 Dec, 2020
Do Root Modules Still Exist after they Die?
Posted 05 Jan, 2021
On 07 Feb, 2021
Received 28 Jan, 2021
Received 22 Jan, 2021
On 03 Jan, 2021
On 03 Jan, 2021
Invitations sent on 03 Jan, 2021
On 03 Jan, 2021
On 28 Dec, 2020
On 28 Dec, 2020
On 28 Dec, 2020
On 22 Dec, 2020
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