Evidence of Differences in Covariation Among Root Traits Across Plant Growth Forms, Mycorrhizal Types, and Biomes.

ABSTRACT: Fine roots play an important role in plant ecological strategies, adaptation to environmental constraints, and ecosystem functions. Covariation among root traits influence the physiological and ecological processes of plants and ecosystems. Root trait covariation in multiple dimensions at the global scale has been broadly discussed. How fine-root traits covary at the regional scale and whether the covariation is generalizable across plant growth forms, mycorrhizal types, and biomes are largely unknown. Here, we collected six key traits - namely root diameter (RD), specific root length (SRL), root tissue density (RTD), root C content (RCC), root N content (RNC), and root C:N ratio (RCN) - of first- and second-order roots of 306 species from 94 sampling sites across China. We examined the co

SUBMITTER: An N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8836870 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature