Arctic rooting depth distribution influences modelled carbon emissions but cannot be inferred from aboveground vegetation type

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Arctic rooting depth distribution influences modelled carbon emissions but cannot be inferred from aboveground vegetation type
Authors: Blume-Werry, Gesche, Dorrepaal, Ellen, Keuper, Frida, Kummu, Matti, Wild, Birgit, Weedon, James T. T.
Source: New Phytologist. 240(2):502-514
Subject Terms: arctic tundra, permafrost, plant-soil interactions, rhizosphere priming effect, root biomass, root vertical distribution strategies, rooting depth
Description: The distribution of roots throughout the soil drives depth-dependent plant-soil interactions and ecosystem processes, particularly in arctic tundra where plant biomass, is predominantly belowground. Vegetation is usually classified from aboveground, but it is unclear whether such classifications are suitable to estimate belowground attributes and their consequences, such as rooting depth distribution and its influence on carbon cycling. center dot We performed a meta-analysis of 55 published arctic rooting depth profiles, testing for differences both between distributions based on aboveground vegetation types (Graminoid, Wetland, Erect-shrub, and Prostrate-shrub tundra) and between ' Root Profile Types ' for which we defined three representative and contrasting clusters. We further analyzed potential impacts of these different rooting depth distributions on rhizosphere priming-induced carbon losses from tundra soils. center dot Rooting depth distribution hardly differed between aboveground vegetation types but varied between Root Profile Types. Accordingly, modelled priming-induced carbon emissions were similar between aboveground vegetation types when they were applied to the entire tundra, but ranged from 7.2 to 17.6 Pg C cumulative emissions until 2100 between individual Root Profile Types. center dot Variations in rooting depth distribution are important for the circumpolar tundra carbonclimate feedback but can currently not be inferred adequately from aboveground vegetation type classifications.
File Description: print
Access URL: https://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:su:diva-230174
https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.18998
Database: SwePub
Description
Abstract:The distribution of roots throughout the soil drives depth-dependent plant-soil interactions and ecosystem processes, particularly in arctic tundra where plant biomass, is predominantly belowground. Vegetation is usually classified from aboveground, but it is unclear whether such classifications are suitable to estimate belowground attributes and their consequences, such as rooting depth distribution and its influence on carbon cycling. center dot We performed a meta-analysis of 55 published arctic rooting depth profiles, testing for differences both between distributions based on aboveground vegetation types (Graminoid, Wetland, Erect-shrub, and Prostrate-shrub tundra) and between ' Root Profile Types ' for which we defined three representative and contrasting clusters. We further analyzed potential impacts of these different rooting depth distributions on rhizosphere priming-induced carbon losses from tundra soils. center dot Rooting depth distribution hardly differed between aboveground vegetation types but varied between Root Profile Types. Accordingly, modelled priming-induced carbon emissions were similar between aboveground vegetation types when they were applied to the entire tundra, but ranged from 7.2 to 17.6 Pg C cumulative emissions until 2100 between individual Root Profile Types. center dot Variations in rooting depth distribution are important for the circumpolar tundra carbonclimate feedback but can currently not be inferred adequately from aboveground vegetation type classifications.
ISSN:0028646X
14698137
DOI:10.1111/nph.18998