Environmental aridity driving latitudinal pattern of biomass allocation fractions in root systems of 63 shrub species in dry valleys.

ABSTRACT: Fine roots and absorptive roots play key roles in acquiring resources throughout soil profiles and determining plant functions along environmental gradients. Yet, the geographical pattern of carbon allocation in fine roots, particularly in absorptive roots, and their relations with plant sizes and evironment are less understood. We sampled 243 xerophytic shrubs from 63 species distributed along the latitudinal gradient (23°N to 32°N) in dry valleys of southwest China and synthetically measured biomass fractions of plant organs, especially fine roots and absorptive roots (1st to 3rd root order). We identified latitudinal patterns of biomass allocation fractions of organs and their relationships with plant sizes and environmental factors. The latitudinal patterns of both absorptive root and

SUBMITTER: Yang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11303844 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature