The origin of bi-dimensionality in plant root traits

Zhang, Yue; Cao, Jingjing; Lu, Mingzhen; Kardol, Paul; Wang, Junjian; Fan, Guoqiang; Kong, Deliang

doi:10.1016/j.tree.2023.09.002

Cited by 21 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 87 publications

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“…Here, we argue that these two representations of the RES are overall consistent with each other, and the fundamental divergence stems from our sampling of tree species displaying little variation in RD. Based on the theoretical formula: SRL = 4/(π × RTD × RD 2 ), any change in RD has much stronger weight on SRL than change in RTD because RD is quadratic to SRL 42 . In contrast to the global dataset of Bergmann et al 26 , who used a broad definition of fine roots, our dataset is restricted to a narrow range of root orders (1st- and 2nd-order roots).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A trait-based root acquisition-defence-decomposition framework in angiosperm tree species

Zheng,

Freschet,

Tedersoo

et al. 2024

Nat Commun

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To adapt to the complex belowground environment, plants make trade-offs between root resource acquisition and defence ability. This includes forming partnerships with different types of root associating microorganisms, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal fungi. These trade-offs, by mediating root chemistry, exert legacy effects on nutrient release during decomposition, which may, in turn, affect the ability of new roots to re-acquire resources, thereby generating a feedback loop. However, the linkages at the basis of this potential feedback loop remain largely unquantified. Here, we propose a trait-based root ‘acquisition-defence-decomposition’ conceptual framework and test the strength of relevant linkages across 90 angiosperm tree species. We show that, at the plant species level, the root-fungal symbiosis gradient within the root economics space, root chemical defence (condensed tannins), and root decomposition rate are closely linked, providing support to this framework. Beyond the dichotomy between arbuscular mycorrhizal-dominated versus ectomycorrhizal-dominated systems, we suggest a continuous shift in feedback loops, from ‘high arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis-low defence-fast decomposition-inorganic nutrition’ by evolutionarily ancient taxa to ‘high ectomycorrhizal symbiosis-high defence-slow decomposition-organic nutrition’ by more modern taxa. This ‘acquisition-defence-decomposition’ framework provides a foundation for testable hypotheses on multidimensional linkages between species’ belowground strategies and ecosystem nutrient cycling in an evolutionary context.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A trait-based root acquisition-defence-decomposition framework in angiosperm tree species

Zheng,

Freschet,

Tedersoo

et al. 2024

Nat Commun

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“…Mounting evidence has confirmed significant correlations of the stelar and cortical traits in absorptive roots across species (Kong et al, 2014(Kong et al, , 2019Zhang, Cao, Lu, et al, 2023;Zhou et al, 2018Zhou et al, , 2022. The stelar and cortical traits may coordinately contribute to the formation of nutrient foraging strategies by both roots and mycorrhizal fungi.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 89%

“…Interspecific variation in absorptive root traits and nutrient foraging strategies has received considerable attention in root ecology studies (Bardgett et al, 2014;Reichert et al, 2022;Wen et al, 2022;Zhang, Cao, Lu, et al, 2023).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Additionally, interspecific variations in root anatomical traits and foraging strategies by roots and mycorrhizal fungi are shaped by plant phylogeny as well as environmental factors such as water and nutrient regimes in soil (Ding et al, 2020;Kong et al, 2014;Laughlin et al, 2021;Li et al, 2019;Liu et al, 2015;Valverde-Barrantes et al, 2017;Zhang, Cao, Lu, et al, 2023). Compared with woody species, plant phylogeny in nonwoody species usually has less impacted on their root traits (Kong et al, 2019;Ma et al, 2018;Valverde-Barrantes et al, 2017).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Decoupling of uptake‐ and transport‐related traits in absorptive roots across coexisting herbaceous species in alpine meadows

Zheng,

Wang,

Wang

et al. 2024

Journal of Ecology

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The anatomical structure of roots determines their function. Coexisting species complementarily forage nutrients by roots themselves (e.g. root strategy) and their fungal partners (e.g. mycorrhizal strategy), leading to a trade‐off between root strategy and mycorrhizal strategy. However, few studies have specifically evaluated whether and how the root anatomical structures are involved in this trade‐off, especially for species in alpine ecosystems limited by extreme climate. Here, absorptive root anatomical and chemical traits and three key root traits commonly associated with nutrient foraging strategies, that is root strategy indicated by first‐order root length and root branching intensity and mycorrhizal strategy indicated by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization, were examined across 68 herbaceous species in alpine meadows of the Tibetan Plateau. We observed that absorptive roots with higher branching intensity had more protoxylem poles, thinner cortices and smaller cortical cells, whereas absorptive roots with higher mycorrhizal colonization and longer first‐order roots consistently had thicker cortices and larger cortical cells. Unexpectedly, root cortical traits responsible for nutrient uptake were decoupled from stelar traits specialized in water and nutrient transportation. The decoupling may be related to the non‐coordinated changes in soil water and nutrient availability in the meadows of the Tibetan Plateau. In addition, we found that root cortical thickness and stelar radius increased at a similar rate rather than well‐reported different rates with increasing root diameter. Synthesis: Our results demonstrate that root internal makeup plays an integral role in forming the diverse nutrient foraging strategies in below‐ground. These findings provide new insights into our understanding of plant coexistence and the responses of alpine meadows to climate change on the Tibetan Plateau.

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Coordination of leaf and root economic space in alpine coniferous forests on the Tibetan Plateau

Ding,

Wang,

et al. 2023

Plant Soil

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The origin of bi-dimensionality in plant root traits

Cited by 21 publications

References 87 publications

A trait-based root acquisition-defence-decomposition framework in angiosperm tree species

A trait-based root acquisition-defence-decomposition framework in angiosperm tree species

Decoupling of uptake‐ and transport‐related traits in absorptive roots across coexisting herbaceous species in alpine meadows

Coordination of leaf and root economic space in alpine coniferous forests on the Tibetan Plateau

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