Intraspecific variation in fine-root traits is larger than in aboveground traits in European herbaceous species regardless of drought.

ABSTRACT: Differences within species (Intraspecific trait variation - ITV) contribute substantially to overall trait variability and environmental harshness can reduce among-species variation. While aboveground traits have received considerable attention, knowledge about ITV in fine-root traits and how it differs from ITV in aboveground traits remains limited. This study examined the partitioning of trait variation aboveground and fine-root traits in 52 European herbaceous species and how such proportions change in response to drought, offering valuable insights for accurate functional species characterization and inter-species comparisons. We studied seven morphological aboveground and fine-root traits under drought and well-watered conditions in a greenhouse experiment. Linear mixed effect models

SUBMITTER: Rodriguez-Alarcon S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11035731 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature