Redefining fine roots improves understanding of below‐ground contributions to terrestrial biosphere processes

Summary Fine roots acquire essential soil resources and mediate biogeochemical cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Estimates of carbon and nutrient allocation to build and maintain these structures remain uncertain because of the challenges of consistently measuring and interpreting fine‐root systems. Traditionally, fine roots have been defined as all roots ≤ 2 mm in diameter, yet it is now recognized that this approach fails to capture the diversity of form and function observed among fine‐root orders. Here, we demonstrate how order‐based and functional classification frameworks improve our understanding of dynamic root processes in ecosystems dominated by perennial plants. In these frameworks, fine roots are…

• UD
  U.S. Department of Energy
• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China
• CA
  Chinese Academy of Sciences
• OO
  Office of Science
• BA
  Biological and Environmental Research