Effects of experimental drought on the fine root system of mature Norway spruce

Gaul, Dirk; Hertel, Dietrich; Borken, Werner; Matzner, Egbert; Leuschner, Christoph

doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2008.06.016

Cited by 120 publications

(73 citation statements)

References 56 publications

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“…In addition to interspecific differences (Leuschner et al 2001) and methodological aspects (Gaul et al 2008), non-linearity and differential sensitivities among the responses of fine root growth and mortality to soil water deficits likely contribute to the variation among the responses of root biomass to soil drought observed in field studies, which have reported both increases (Joslin and Wolfe 1998;Leuschner et al 2001) and decreases (Konôpka et al 2005) in live root biomass. Interestingly, overwinter mortality is minimal, resulting in the maintenance of a substantial fine root stock during winter (Hendrick and Pregitzer 1992;Konôpka et al 2005).…”

Section: The Phenology Of Fine Rootsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Temperate and boreal forest tree phenology: from organ-scale processes to terrestrial ecosystem models

Delpierre

Vitasse

Chuine

et al. 2016

Annals of Forest Science

234

192

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Abstract& Key message We demonstrate that, beyond leaf phenology, the phenological cycles of wood and fine roots present clear responses to environmental drivers in temperate and boreal trees. These drivers should be included in terrestrial ecosystem models. & Context In temperate and boreal trees, a dormancy period prevents organ development during adverse climatic conditions. Whereas the phenology of leaves and flowers has received considerable attention, to date, little is known regarding the phenology of other tree organs such as wood, fine roots, fruits, and reserve compounds. & Aims Here, we review both the role of environmental drivers in determining the phenology of tree organs and the models used to predict the phenology of tree organs in temperate and boreal forest trees. & Results Temperature is a key driver of the resumption of tree activity in spring, although its specific effects vary among organs. There is no such clear dominant environmental cue involved in the cessation of tree activity in autumn and in the onset of dormancy, but temperature, photoperiod, and water stress appear as prominent factors. The phenology of a given organ is, to a certain extent, influenced by processes in distant organs. & Conclusion Inferring past trends and predicting future trends of tree phenology in a changing climate requires specific phenological models developed for each organ to consider the phenological cycle as an ensemble in which the environmental cues that trigger each phase are also indirectly involved in the subsequent phases. Incorporating such models into terrestrial ecosystem models (TEMs) would likely improve the accuracy of their predictions. The extent to which the coordination of the phenologies of tree organs will be affected in a changing climate deserves further research.

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Section: The Phenology Of Fine Rootsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Temperate and boreal forest tree phenology: from organ-scale processes to terrestrial ecosystem models

Delpierre

Vitasse

Chuine

et al. 2016

Annals of Forest Science

234

192

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“…Impacts of seasonal changes in precipitation have been reported in boreal forests (Gaul et al, 2008), arctic tundra (Schimel et al, 2004), tropical rainforests in the Amazon (Nepstad et al, 2002;Brando et al, 2006;Brando et al, 2008), oak savannas (Volder et al, 2010;Volder et al, 2013) and Mediterranean regions, such as Spain (Miranda et al, 2009b). Although grasslands, savannas and Mediterranean forests differ markedly in the timing of ambient precipitation and the length of the growing season, experiments suggest patterns can be found in responses to seasonal changes in precipitation, such as strong changes in water stress and productivity in warm or dry seasons and not in cool or wet seasons.…”

Section: Seasonal Changes In Precipitationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Little research has been conducted in tropical, tundra and boreal regions on plant responses to altered timing of precipitation. Of the studies from boreal regions to date, only one described the impact of altered precipitation on roots, but not on above-ground processes (Gaul et al, 2008). These temperature-limited systems may show markedly different responses compared to warmer biomes.…”

Section: Synthesis On Extreme Precipitationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impacts of extreme precipitation and seasonal changes in precipitation on plants

2014

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Abstract. The global hydrological cycle is predicted to become more intense in future climates, with both larger precipitation events and longer times between events in some regions. Redistribution of precipitation may occur both within and across seasons, and the resulting wide fluctuations in soil water content (SWC) may dramatically affect plants. Though these responses remain poorly understood, recent research in this emerging field suggests the effects of redistributed precipitation may differ from predictions based on previous drought studies. We review available studies on both extreme precipitation (redistribution within seasons) and seasonal changes in precipitation (redistribution across seasons) on grasslands and forests.Extreme precipitation differentially affected above-ground net primary productivity (ANPP), depending on whether extreme precipitation led to increased or decreased SWC, which differed based on the current precipitation and aridity index of the site. Specifically, studies to date reported that extreme precipitation decreased ANPP in mesic sites, but, conversely, increased ANPP in xeric sites, suggesting that plant-available water is a key factor driving responses to extreme precipitation. Similarly, the effects of seasonal changes in precipitation on ANPP, phenology, and leaf and fruit development varied with the effect on SWC. Reductions in spring or summer generally had negative effects on plants, associated with reduced SWC, while subsequent reductions in autumn or winter had little effect on SWC or plants. Similarly, increased summer precipitation had a more dramatic impact on plants than winter increases in precipitation.The patterns of response suggest xeric biomes may respond positively to extreme precipitation, while comparatively mesic biomes may be more likely to be negatively affected. Moreover, seasonal changes in precipitation during warm or dry seasons may have larger effects than changes during cool or wet seasons. Accordingly, responses to redistributed precipitation will involve a complex interplay between plant-available water, plant functional type and resultant influences on plant phenology, growth and water relations. These results highlight the need for experiments across a range of soil types and plant functional types, critical for predicting future vegetation responses to future climates.

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“…These underlying drivers of fine-root biomass are however difficult to quantify in forest environments (but see e.g. Withington et al 2006;Gaul et al 2008;McCormack et al 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fine-root trait plasticity of beech (Fagus sylvatica) and spruce (Picea abies) forests on two contrasting soils

et al. 2016

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Aim The fine roots of trees may show plastic responses to their resource environment. Several, contrasting hypotheses exist on this plasticity, but empirical evidence for these hypotheses is scattered. This study aims to enhance our understanding of tree root plasticity by examining intra-specific variation in fine-root mass and morphology, fine-root growth and decomposition, and associated mycorrhizal interactions in beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) forests on soils that differ in resource availability. MethodsWe measured the mass and morphological traits of fine roots (i.e. ≤ 2 mm diameter) sampled to 50 cm depth. Fine-root growth was measured with ingrowth cores, and fine-root decomposition with litter bags. Mycorrhizal fungal biomass was determined using ingrowth mesh bags. Results Both tree species showed more than three times higher fine-root mass, and a ten-fold higher fine-root growth rate on sand than on clay, but no or marginal differences in overall fine-root morphology. Within the fine-root category however, beech stands had relatively more root length of their finest roots on clay than on sand. In the spruce stands, ectomycorrhizal mycelium biomass was larger on sand than on clay. Conclusions In temperate beech and spruce forests, fine-root mass and mycorrhizal fungal biomass, rather than fine-root morphology, are changed to ensure uptake under different soil resource conditions. Yet enhancing our mechanistic understanding of fine-root trait plasticity and how it affects tree growth requires more attention to fine-root dynamics, the functional diversity within the fine-roots, and mycorrhizal symbiosis as an important belowground uptake strategy.

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Effects of experimental drought on the fine root system of mature Norway spruce

Cited by 120 publications

References 56 publications

Temperate and boreal forest tree phenology: from organ-scale processes to terrestrial ecosystem models

Temperate and boreal forest tree phenology: from organ-scale processes to terrestrial ecosystem models

Impacts of extreme precipitation and seasonal changes in precipitation on plants

Fine-root trait plasticity of beech (Fagus sylvatica) and spruce (Picea abies) forests on two contrasting soils

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