Root structure–function relationships in 74 species: evidence of a root economics spectrum related to carbon economy

Although fine roots are important components of the global carbon cycle, there is limited understanding of root structure-function relationships among species. We determined whether root respiration rate and decomposability, two key processes driving carbon cycling but always studied separately, varied with root morphological and chemical traits, in a coordinated way that would demonstrate the existence of a root economics spectrum (RES). Twelve traits were measured on fine roots (diameter ≤ 2 mm) of 74 species (31 graminoids and 43 herbaceous and dwarf shrub eudicots) collected in three biomes. The findings of this study support the existence of a RES representing an axis of trait variation in which root…

• AN
  Agence Nationale de la Recherche
• AD
  Agence de l'Environnement et de la Maîtrise de l'Energie
• FP
  Fondation pour la Recherche sur la Biodiversite

  Awards: AAP‐IN‐2009‐046, AAP-IN-2009-046
• IN
  Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique