The Economics Spectrum Drives Root Trait Strategies in Mediterranean Vegetation.

ABSTRACT: Extensive research efforts are devoted to understand fine root trait variation and to confirm the existence of a belowground root economics spectrum (RES) from acquisitive to conservative root strategies that is analogous to the leaf economics spectrum (LES). The economics spectrum implies a trade-off between maximizing resource acquisition and productivity or maximizing resource conservation and longevity; however, this theoretical framework still remains controversial for roots. We compiled a database of 320 Mediterranean woody and herbaceous species to critically assess if the classic economics spectrum theory can be broadly extended to roots. Fine roots displayed a wide diversity of forms and properties in Mediterranean vegetation, resulting in a multidimensional trait space. The main

SUBMITTER: de la Riva EG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8649719 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature