Increased litterfall changes fine root distribution in a moist tropical forest

Sayer, E. J. and Tanner, E. V. J. and Cheesman, A. W. (2006) Increased litterfall changes fine root distribution in a moist tropical forest. Plant and Soil, 281 (1-2). pp. 5-13. ISSN 0032-079X

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Abstract

Root proliferation into the Oa and Oe soil horizons in tropical forests is often substantial and allows direct cycling of nutrients from the organic matter; this was thought to be an adaptation to the low nutrient supply in infertile soils. In this study, we show that experimentally increased litter inputs promote root proliferation into the Oi and Oe horizons in a relatively fertile soil, suggesting that it is a response to a more readily available nutrient source rather than an adaptation to nutrient shortage, and the absence of root mats on fertile tropical soils is simply a consequence of the lack of persistent organic horizons due to high decomposition rates.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Plant and Soil
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1110
Subjects:
?? fine rootsleaf litterorganic horizonsroot proliferationsoil fertilitytropical forestamazonian rain-forestair co2 enrichmentelevated co2nutrient dynamicsorganic-matterdecompositiongrowthsoilavailabilitychemistryplant sciencesoil science ??
ID Code:
69137
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
07 Apr 2014 10:05
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 14:35