Quantification of Plant Root Species Composition in Peatlands Using FTIR Spectroscopy.

ABSTRACT: Evidence of plant root biomass and production in peatlands at the level of species or plant functional type (PFT) is needed for defining ecosystem functioning and predicting its future development. However, such data are limited due to methodological difficulties and the toilsomeness of separating roots from peat. We developed Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy based calibration models for quantifying the mass proportions of several common peatland species, and alternatively, the PFTs that these species represented, in composite root samples. We further tested whether woody roots could be classified into diameter classes, and whether dead and living roots could be separated. We aimed to solve whether general models applicable in different studies can be developed, and what woul

SUBMITTER: Strakova P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7250167 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature