Effects of global change factors and living roots on root litter decomposition in a Qinghai-Tibet alpine meadow.

ABSTRACT: Roots account for a major part of plant biomass in Tibetan alpine meadows. Understanding root decomposition with global change is key to predict carbon (C) and nutrient dynamics on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Yet, few experiments have carefully examined root decomposition as influenced by global change. We conducted a field study to investigate the effects of nitrogen (N) addition, air warming, precipitation change, and the presence/absence of living roots on root decomposition in a Tibetan alpine meadow. Our results showed that N addition increased the mass and C remaining, and induced N accumulation in the litter. Increased precipitation significantly amplified the positive effect of N addition on litter mass remaining. The presence of alive roots in the litterbags decreased root litter C

SUBMITTER: Shu M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6858338 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature