Contrasting dynamics and trait controls in first-order root compared with leaf litter decomposition.

ABSTRACT: Decomposition is a key component of the global carbon (C) cycle, yet current ecosystem C models do not adequately represent the contributions of plant roots and their mycorrhizae to this process. The understanding of decomposition dynamics and their control by traits is particularly limited for the most distal first-order roots. Here we followed decomposition of first-order roots and leaf litter from 35 woody plant species differing in mycorrhizal type over 6 years in a Chinese temperate forest. First-order roots decomposed more slowly (k = 0.11 ± 0.01 years^-1) than did leaf litter (0.35 ± 0.02 years^-1), losing only 35% of initial mass on average after 6 years of exposure in the field. In contrast to leaf litter, nonlignin root C chemistry (nonstructural carboh

SUBMITTER: Sun T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6187159 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature