Variation in fine root traits with thinning intensity in a Chinese fir plantation insights from branching order and functional groups.

ABSTRACT: Thinning is a widely used practice in forest management, but the acclimation mechanisms of fine roots to forest thinning are still unclear. We examined the variations in fine root traits of different branching orders and functional groups along a thinning intensity gradient in a 26-year-old Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) plantation. With increasing thinning intensity, the root C concentration (RCC), root N concentration (RNC), specific root area (SRA), and specific root length (SRL) of the absorptive roots (the first two orders) significantly decreased, while root abundance (root biomass and root length density) and root tissue density (RTD) significantly increased. Fifty-four percent of the variation in the absorptive root traits could be explained by the soil N concentration and t

SUBMITTER: Wang Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8608833 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature