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Preprint VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Preprint
Root Foraging by Trees and Shrubs
Preprints.org, Vol.4 August 2023
MDPI AG
2023
Abstract
Unlike trees, shrubs (i.e., multiple-stemmed woody plants) do not need evenly spaced large diameter structural roots and thus can spread further per unit belowground biomass. We therefore hypothesized that compared to trees, shrubs respond more to asymmetric distributions of nutrients and reach nutrient-rich patches of soil faster and with less below-ground biomass. To test these hypotheses we planted individual seedlings of shrubs (Cornus racemosa, Rhus glabra, and Viburnum dentatum) and trees (Acer rubrum, Betula populifera, and Fraxinus americana) in the centers of sand-filled rectangular boxes. In one direction we created stepwise gradients of increasing soil nutrients with slow-release fertilizer; in the other direction no fertilizer was added. Seedlings were harvested when their first root reached the plexiglass-covered fertilized end of their box; time taken as well as above- and below-ground biomass by nutrient segment were determined. There were no consistent differences between the shrubs and trees in belowground architectural plasticity (= ratio of biomass in fertilized and unfertilized volumes of soil) or in the rate and efficiency of lateral growth. Interspecific variation appeared more related to edaphic characteristics of the native habitats than to growth form. The fastest and most efficient roots were produced by the shrub (R. glabra) and the tree (B. populifolia) that are characteristic of poor soils. Root foraging by R. glabra was also facilitated by rapid rhizomatous expansion. The tested shrubs and trees did not consistently differ in nutrient foraging efficiencies or rates but further study is warranted with larger plants and more species.
Details
- Title
- Root Foraging by Trees and Shrubs
- Authors
- Francis Putz (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Tropical Forests and People Research CentreCharles D Canham (Author) - Cary Institute of Ecosystem StudiesScott V. Ollinger (Author) - University of New Hampshire
- Publication details
- Preprints.org, Vol.4 August 2023
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Date published
- 2023
- DOI
- 10.20944/preprints202308.0389.v1
- ISSN
- 2310-287X
- Copyright note
- This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
- Organisation Unit
- Tropical Forests and People Research Centre; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99743097102621
- Output Type
- Preprint
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