Published November 9, 2022
| Version v1
Publication
Variation in morphological and chemical traits of Mediterranean tree roots: linkage with leaf traits and soil conditions
Contributors
Others:
- Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola
- Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICINN). España
- European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER)
- Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España
- European Union (UE). FP7
Description
Aims Root functions are multiple and essential for the
growth and survival of terrestrial plants. The aim of this
work was to analyse the main trends in the variation of
root traits, their coordination with leaf traits and their
relationships with soil conditions.
Methods We measured the variation of 27 fine root
traits (five morphological, 20 chemical and two isotopic
signatures) in trees of seven species of a mixed plantation in a metal-contaminated and remediated site of
Southern Spain.
Results We found evidences supporting the existence of
a root economics spectrum (RES). However, other dimensions were identified as being independent of the
main RES: mainly the variation in the carbon concentration, the accumulation of trace elements associated
with tolerance of metal-rich soils, and the fractionation
of δ15N as a time-integrated trait of mycorrhizalmediated nutrition. In general, roots and leaves were
functionally coordinated, although most of the trace
elements showed strong root-leaf discordance. The soil
conditions interacted with the fine root traits in feedback
processes. The ability of tree roots to accumulate trace
elements and to reduce their translocation to leaves is a
desirable trait for the phytoremediation of metalcontaminated soils.
Conclusions Roots are multifunctional. Understanding
the variations in the root traits of trees will help us to
predict both the responses of forests to global changes,
including soil contamination, and the provision of soilbased ecosystem services.
Abstract
European FEDER Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Grant No. BES-2015-073882)Abstract
Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities Grants No. CGL2014- 52858-R-RESTECO, CGL2017-82254-R-INTARSU and CGL2014-53236-R- ECO-MEDITAbstract
European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007– 2013) (Grant No. 603498- RECARE)Additional details
Identifiers
- URL
- https://idus.us.es/handle//11441/139143
- URN
- urn:oai:idus.us.es:11441/139143