Root Ecology and Rhizosphere Research 1 7 3 7
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Department of Plant Ecology and Ecosystems Research Root ecology and rhizosphere research 1 7 3 7 Various morphotypes of mycorrhizae associated with a fine root of In situ-monitoring of fine root growth of ca. 100-year old Extreme root growth conditions on basalt boulder slopes in European beech (Fagus sylvatica) beech trees. Mcorrhizal hyphae are also visible. Central Europe promote species-rich forest communities Background The study of ecological and physiological processes in the root system of trees must base on the distinction of functionally different root fractions. Large and coarse roots (>2 mm in diameter) are essential for soil exploitation and anchorage of the tree. Fine roots (<2 mm diameter) are crucial for water and nutrient uptake and make a large contribution to the trees' carbon cycle through fine root growth and turnover. Fine roots are usually associated with mycorrhizal fungi, which are part of the complex and very species-rich rhizosphere community . Investigations on this highlydynamic part of the root system are still underrepresented and offer a promising research field for plant ecologists. Research -1 Root biomass density (g TM L ) Large and coarse roots of The "Göttingen RootLab" is a 0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 European beech (Fagus sylvatica ) novel facility in the Experimental org. and sessile oak (Quercus petraea ) Botanical Garden in Weende 10 Fagus sylvatica reveal species-specific differences that allows for experimental 30 in the vertical distribution pattern in manipulation and observation of 50 thesoilwithoakshowinga the rhizosphere. It gives the markedly deeper root distribution. 70 opportunity to monitor the birth, However, fine roots of both growth and death of fine roots of 90 Quercus petraea species are mostly concentrated in Soil depth (cm) trees under experimentally 110 the topsoil, where leaf and root altered soil conditions (see 130 litter decomposition results in figure sequecence below). Fine roots (© < 2 mm) higher nutrient availability. 150 Large and coarse roots (© = 2-20 mm) 14 Fine root radiocarbon age (years) Analyses of theG C Solar radiation Roof Control 02468101214 2000 0 Organic signature in root tissue has s) -0.2 layer a -2 -1 been successfully applied 1000 -0.4 0 PAR -0.6 ab to estimate (maximum) root 10 (µmol m 0.20 -0.8 age. The method makes Xylem sap flow abc -1.0 use of the 14 Branch By miniaturi- 20 C enrichment 0.15 -1.2 zing constant Control 50 h) -1.4 of the atmosphere due to Root water potential (MPa) 40 30 bc -2 -1 Stem heat-sap flux nuclear bomb tests in the 0.10 -1.6 Roof 30 10 cm depth (vol%) Soil depth (cm) Root gauges, we 20 Soil water content in 1960ies, and the sub- (g mm Feb 07 Jul 07 Aug 07 Sep 07 40 0.05 Sap flow density are able to sequent decline inG14 C. 50 c monitor water Cacao trees subjected to The G14C signature of 0 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 flow in small- experimental drought in a 60 spruce fine roots indicated Daytime (July 6th, 2000) diameter roots throughfall displacement that deeper roots are much (3-5 mm diameter) and to compare experiment on Sulawesi older and thus are turned synchronous water flow in roots, stems, and (Indonesia) decrease their over less rapidly than roots branches of tall trees. root water potential, thereby near the soil surface. improving the water uptake capacity of the roots. Major projects: "Biodiversity Manipulation in Rhizosphere and Soil" - Cluster of excellence "Functional Biodiversity Research" "The rhizosphere of deciduous forests with contrasting tree species diversity" - DFG Research Training Group 1086 "Growth and vitality of fine roots of Norway spruce - DFG Research Unit 562 "Soil Processes under altered climate" Key results y Fine roots of trees are highly dynamic and consume a notable percentage of the annually assimilated carbon in the crown. y Tree fine roots may respond more sensitively to environmental stress (e.g. drought, low nutrient availability) than aboveground organs, thus representing a value stress indicator and also a large carbon sink. y Interspecific competition between the fine roots of coexisting species may be just as important in mixed forests as is competition between aboveground tree organs..