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Nonlinearity of root trait relationships and the root economics spectrum

Author

Listed:
  • Deliang Kong

    (Shenyang Agricultural University)

  • Junjian Wang

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Huifang Wu

    (Henan University)

  • Oscar J. Valverde-Barrantes

    (Florida International University)

  • Ruili Wang

    (Northwest A&F University)

  • Hui Zeng

    (Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School)

  • Paul Kardol

    (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences)

  • Haiyan Zhang

    (Shenyang Agricultural University)

  • Yulong Feng

    (Shenyang Agricultural University)

Abstract

The root economics spectrum (RES), a common hypothesis postulating a tradeoff between resource acquisition and conservation traits, is being challenged by conflicting relationships between root diameter, tissue density (RTD) and root nitrogen concentration (RN). Here, we analyze a global trait dataset of absorptive roots for over 800 plant species. For woody species (but not for non-woody species), we find nonlinear relationships between root diameter and RTD and RN, which stem from the allometric relationship between stele and cortical tissues. These nonlinear relationships explain how sampling bias from different ends of the nonlinear curves can result in conflicting trait relationships. Further, the shape of the relationships varies depending on evolutionary context and mycorrhizal affiliation. Importantly, the observed nonlinear trait relationships do not support the RES predictions. Allometry-based nonlinearity of root trait relationships improves our understanding of the ecology, physiology and evolution of absorptive roots.

Suggested Citation

  • Deliang Kong & Junjian Wang & Huifang Wu & Oscar J. Valverde-Barrantes & Ruili Wang & Hui Zeng & Paul Kardol & Haiyan Zhang & Yulong Feng, 2019. "Nonlinearity of root trait relationships and the root economics spectrum," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:10:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-019-10245-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10245-6
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    Cited by:

    1. He, Yuelin & Li, Guangde & Xi, Benye & Zhao, Hui & Jia, Liming, 2022. "Fine root plasticity of young Populus tomentosa plantations under drip irrigation and nitrogen fertigation in the North China Plain," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 261(C).

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