Topographical shifts in fine root lifespan in a mixed, mesic temperate forest.

ABSTRACT: Root lifespan, often is estimated in landscape- and ecosystem-level carbon models using linear approximations. In water manipulation experiments, fine root lifespan can vary with soil water content. Soil water content is generally structured by complex topography, which is largely unaccounted for in landscape- and ecosystem-scale carbon models. Topography governs the range of soil water content experienced by roots which may impact their lifespan. We hypothesized that root lifespan varied nonlinearly across a temperate, mesic, forested catchment due to differences in soil water content associated with topographic position. We expected regions of the landscape that were too wet or too dry would have soils that were not optimal for roots and thus result in shorter root lifespans. Specificall

SUBMITTER: Primka EJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8279377 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature