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Sensitivity of four ecological models to adjustments in fine root turnover rate

Author

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  • McCormack, M. Luke
  • Crisfield, Elizabeth
  • Raczka, Brett
  • Schnekenburger, Frank
  • Eissenstat, David M.
  • Smithwick, Erica A.H.

Abstract

Large uncertainties surrounding root-specific parameters limit model descriptions of belowground processes and ultimately hinder understanding of belowground carbon (C) dynamics and terrestrial biogeochemistry. Despite this recognized shortcoming, it is unclear which processes warrant attention in model development, given the computational cost of additional model complexity. Here, we tested the sensitivity of four models to adjustments in fine root turnover in forested systems: CENTURY, ED2, MC1, and LANDCARB. In general, faster root turnover rates resulted in lower total system carbon (C) and within model changes ranged from 1% to 38% following 100-year simulations. However, the underlying mechanisms driving these changes differed among models as some expressed lower net primary productivity (NPP) with faster turnover rates and others had similar NPP but large shifts in C allocation away from wood to fine roots. Based on these findings we expect that different model responses to changes in fine root turnover will be determined by (1) whether C is allocated to fine roots as fixed portion of NPP or to maintain a fixed biomass ratio between fine roots and leaves or stems and (2) whether soil nutrient and water uptake is a function of both resource availability and fine root biomass or based on resource availability alone. These results suggest that better constrained estimates of fine root turnover will represent a valuable improvement in many terrestrial biosphere models.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecomod:v:297:y:2015:i:c:p:107-117
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2014.11.013
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. 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.
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    Cited by:

    1. 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).
    2. Tomáš Středa & Jana Hajzlerová & Jhonny Alba-Mejía & Ivana Jovanović & Nicole Frantová & Hana Středová, 2024. "Quo vadis, breeding for an efficient root system, in the era of climate change?," Czech Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 60(4), pages 181-211.

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