Shifts in fine root traits within and among species along a fine-scale hydrological gradient.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Lessons from above-ground trait ecology and resource economics theory may not be directly translatable to below-ground traits due to differences in function, trade-offs and environmental constraints. Here we examine root functional traits within and across species along a fine-scale hydrological gradient. We ask two related questions: (1) What is the relative magnitude of trait variation across the gradient for within- versus among-species variation? (2) Do correlations among below-ground plant traits conform with predictions from resource-economic spectrum theory?

Methods

We sampled four below-ground fine-root traits (specific root length, branching intensity, root tissue density and root dry matter content) and four above-ground traits (specific leaf ar

SUBMITTER: Taseski GM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7988525 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature