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Harvard Forest REU Symposium Abstract 2018
- Title: The role of root morphology in predicting root respiration in six temperate tree species
- Author: Eva D Paradiso (Wellesley College)
- Abstract:
Carbon allocated belowground to roots accounts for over half of net primary productivity, but the fate of that carbon is poorly understood. Absorptive fine roots release carbon dioxide through respiration and are the primary way in which roots acquire resources. Previous studies have looked specifically at root morphological traits including specific root length, root tissue density, and mycorrhizal colonization to distinguish roots by species. Other studies have found relationships between these morphological traits and root respiration within a single tree species.The objective of this study is to determine whether fine root morphological traits relate to respiration rate within or across tree species. We measured fine root respiration of six tree species which represent a diverse set of nutrient acquisition and growth strategies, including differences in shade tolerance, mycorrhizal type, and leaf habit. We found that tree species differ in specific root length, root tissue density, and percent mycorrhizae. Temperature and morphology were both related to root respiration and those relationships were consistent across species. This study provides a better glimpse into fine roots, what influences their respiration, and the carbon flux belowground.
- Research Category: Forest-Atmosphere Exchange; Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics
