Characterizing natural variability of lignin abundance and composition in fine roots across temperate trees: a comparison of analytical methods.

ABSTRACT: Lignin is an important root chemical component that is widely used in biogeochemical models to predict root decomposition. Across ecological studies, lignin abundance has been characterized using both proximate and lignin-specific methods, without much understanding of their comparability. This uncertainty in estimating lignin limits our ability to comprehend the mechanisms regulating root decomposition and to integrate lignin data for large-scale syntheses. We compared five methods of estimating lignin abundance and composition in fine roots across 34 phylogenetically diverse tree species. We also assessed the feasibility of high-throughput techniques for fast-screening of root lignin. Although acid-insoluble fraction (AIF) has been used to infer root lignin and decomposition, AIF-defined

SUBMITTER: Xia M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9828118 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature