Contrasting responses of fine root biomass and traits to large-scale nitrogen and phosphorus addition in tropical forests in the Guiana shield
Figueiredo Lugli, Laynara (Technical University of Munich School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan)
Fuchslueger, Lucia (University of Vienna. Centre of Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science)
Vallicrosa Pou, Helena (Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering)
Van Langenhove, Leandro (University of Antwerp. Department of Biology)
Ranits, Christian (University of Vienna. Centre of Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science)
Roc Fernandez Garberi, Pere (Centre de Recerca Ecològica i d'Aplicacions Forestals)
Verryckt, Lore (University of Antwerp. Department of Biology)
Grau, Oriol (University of Antwerp. Department of Biology)
Bréchet, Laëtitia (University of Antwerp. Department of Biology)
Peguero, Guille (Universitat de Barcelona. Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals)
Llusia, Joan (Centre de Recerca Ecològica i d'Aplicacions Forestals)
Ogaya Inurrigarro, Romà (Centre de Recerca Ecològica i d'Aplicacions Forestals)
Marquez, Laura (Centre de Recerca Ecològica i d'Aplicacions Forestals)
Portillo-Estrada, Miguel (University of Antwerp. Department of Biology)
Ramirez-Rojas, Irene (University of Antwerp. Department of Biology)
Courtois, Elodie (University of Antwerp. Department of Biology)
Stahl, Clement (UMR Ecology of Guianan Forests)
Sardans, Jordi (Centre de Recerca Ecològica i d'Aplicacions Forestals)
Penuelas, Josep (Centre de Recerca Ecològica i d'Aplicacions Forestals)
Verbruggen, Erik (University of Antwerp. Department of Biology)
Ivan, Janssens (University of Antwerp. Department of Biology)

Date:	2024
Abstract:	Fine roots mediate plant nutrient acquisition and growth. Depending on soil nutrient availability, plants can regulate fine root biomass and morphological traits to optimise nutrient acquisition. Little is known, however, about the importance of these parameters influencing forest functioning. In this study, we measured root responses to nutrient additions to gain a mechanistic understanding of plant adaptations to nutrient limitation in two tropical forests in French Guiana, differing twofold in their soil nutrient statuses. We analysed the responses of root biomass, mean root diameter (RD), specific root length (SRL), specific root area (SRA), root tissue density (RTD) and carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations in roots down to 15 cm soil depth after three years of N and P additions. At the lower-fertility site Paracou, no changes in root biomass or morphological traits were detected with either N or P addition, although P concentrations in roots increased with P addition. In the higher fertility site, Nouragues, root biomass and P concentrations in roots increased with P addition, with no changes in morphological traits. In contrast, N addition shifted root traits from acquisitive to more conservative by increasing RTD. A significant interaction between N and P in Nouragues pointed to stronger responses to P addition in the absence of N. Our results suggest that the magnitude and direction of root biomass and trait expression were regulated by soil fertility, corroborated by the response to N or P additions. At low fertility sites, we found lower plasticity in root trait expression compared to more fertile conditions, where N and P additions caused stronger and antagonistic responses. Identifying the exact role of mechanisms affecting root nutrient uptake in Amazon forests growing in different soils will be crucial to foresee if and how rapid global changes can affect their carbon allocation.
Grants:	European Commission 610028
Rights:	Aquest document està subjecte a una llicència d'ús Creative Commons. Es permet la reproducció total o parcial, la distribució, la comunicació pública de l'obra i la creació d'obres derivades, fins i tot amb finalitats comercials, sempre i quan es reconegui l'autoria de l'obra original.
Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió publicada
Subject:	Amazon rainforest ; Experimental nutrient manipulation ; Fine root biomass stocks ; Nutrient limitation ; Root morphological traits ; Soil fertility
Published in:	Oikos, (January 2024) , art. e10412, ISSN 1600-0706

DOI: 10.1111/oik.10412

14 p, 1.2 MB

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Research literature > UAB research groups literature > Research Centres and Groups (research output) > Experimental sciences > CREAF (Centre de Recerca Ecològica i d'Aplicacions Forestals) > Imbalance-P
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