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Improving the representation of roots in terrestrial models

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  • Smithwick, Erica A.H.
  • Lucash, Melissa S.
  • McCormack, M. Luke
  • Sivandran, Gajan

Abstract

Root biomass, root production and lifespan, and root-mycorrhizal interactions govern soil carbon fluxes and resource uptake and are critical components of terrestrial models. However, limitations in data and confusions over terminology, together with a strong dependence on a small set of conceptual frameworks, have limited the exploration of root function in terrestrial models. We review the key root processes of interest to both field ecologists and modelers including root classification, production, turnover, biomass, resource uptake, and depth distribution to ask (1) what are contemporary approaches for modeling roots in terrestrial models? and (2) can these approaches be improved via recent advancements in field research methods? We isolate several emerging themes that are ready for collaboration among field scientists and modelers: (1) alternatives to size-class based root classifications based on function and the inclusion of fungal symbioses, (2) dynamic root allocation and phenology as a function of root environment, rather than leaf demand alone, (3) improved understanding of the treatment of root turnover in models, including the role of root tissue chemistry on root lifespan, (4) better estimates of root stocks across sites and species to parameterize or validate models, and (5) dynamic interplay among rooting depth, resource availability and resource uptake. Greater attention to model parameterization and structural representation of roots will lead to greater appreciation for belowground processes in terrestrial models and improve estimates of ecosystem resilience to global change drivers.

Suggested Citation

  • Smithwick, Erica A.H. & Lucash, Melissa S. & McCormack, M. Luke & Sivandran, Gajan, 2014. "Improving the representation of roots in terrestrial models," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 291(C), pages 193-204.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecomod:v:291:y:2014:i:c:p:193-204
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2014.07.023
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Scheller, Robert M. & Hua, Dong & Bolstad, Paul V. & Birdsey, Richard A. & Mladenoff, David J., 2011. "The effects of forest harvest intensity in combination with wind disturbance on carbon dynamics in Lake States Mesic Forests," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 222(1), pages 144-153.
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    3. Camille Parmesan & Gary Yohe, 2003. "A globally coherent fingerprint of climate change impacts across natural systems," Nature, Nature, vol. 421(6918), pages 37-42, January.
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    1. McCormack, M. Luke & Crisfield, Elizabeth & Raczka, Brett & Schnekenburger, Frank & Eissenstat, David M. & Smithwick, Erica A.H., 2015. "Sensitivity of four ecological models to adjustments in fine root turnover rate," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 297(C), pages 107-117.
    2. Thomas, Anooja & Yadav, Brijesh Kumar & Šimůnek, Jiří, 2024. "Water uptake by plants under nonuniform soil moisture conditions: A comprehensive numerical and experimental analysis," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 292(C).
    3. Amato, Matthew T. & Giménez, Daniel, 2022. "Quantifying root turnover in grasslands from biomass dynamics: Application of the growth-maintenance respiration paradigm and re-analysis of historical data," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 467(C).
    4. Anciaes, Paulo & Jones, Peter, 2020. "Transport policy for liveability – Valuing the impacts on movement, place, and society," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 157-173.
    5. Keane, Robert E. & McKenzie, Donald & Falk, Donald A. & Smithwick, Erica A.H. & Miller, Carol & Kellogg, Lara-Karena B., 2015. "Representing climate, disturbance, and vegetation interactions in landscape models," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 309, pages 33-47.

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