Embedded Files
Results:
Results:
Figure 1: Root ingrowth biomass (g/m2), length (cm/m2) and specific root length (SRL; cm/g) in plots fertilized with N, P, N+P, or nothing (con), in 3 northern hardwood forest stands.
Figure 1: Root ingrowth biomass (g/m2), length (cm/m2) and specific root length (SRL; cm/g) in plots fertilized with N, P, N+P, or nothing (con), in 3 northern hardwood forest stands.
Ingrowth biomass and length were greater in response to added N+P than to either N or P alone (p < 0.02 for the NxP interaction)
Ingrowth biomass and length were greater in response to added N+P than to either N or P alone (p < 0.02 for the NxP interaction)
In two of the three forest stands, thinner roots (greater SRL) were produced in response to N alone than to N+P; however, treatment effects were not detected across all three stands.
In two of the three forest stands, thinner roots (greater SRL) were produced in response to N alone than to N+P; however, treatment effects were not detected across all three stands.
Discussion
Discussion
The growth of fine roots, in both biomass and length, is N and P co-limited in these forests, similar to aboveground forest growth.
The growth of fine roots, in both biomass and length, is N and P co-limited in these forests, similar to aboveground forest growth.
When availability of only one nutrient is high, root growth is likely limited by availability of the other nutrient.
When availability of only one nutrient is high, root growth is likely limited by availability of the other nutrient.
Root morphology traits such as SRL deserve further attention to learn whether N or P availability influence C allocation to root structure vs exploration.
Root morphology traits such as SRL deserve further attention to learn whether N or P availability influence C allocation to root structure vs exploration.
Balanced N and P nutrition will promote the greatest total productivity and carbon storage in these northern hardwood forests, and does not appear to shift growth from belowground to aboveground.
Balanced N and P nutrition will promote the greatest total productivity and carbon storage in these northern hardwood forests, and does not appear to shift growth from belowground to aboveground.
Page updated
Report abuse