Dataset Information

Tree root dynamics in montane and sub-alpine mixed forest patches.

ABSTRACT: Background and Aims:The structure of heterogeneous forests has consequences for their biophysical environment. Variations in the local climate significantly affect tree physiological processes. We hypothesize that forest structure also alters tree root elongation and longevity through temporal and spatial variations in soil temperature and water potential. Methods:We installed rhizotrons in paired vegetation communities of closed forest (tree islands) and open patches (canopy gaps), along a soil temperature gradient (elevations of 1400, 1700 and 2000 m) in a heterogeneous mixed forest. We measured the number of growing tree roots, elongation and mortality every month over 4 years. Key Results:The results showed that the mean daily root elongation rate (RER) was not correlated with soil water potential but was significantly and positively correlated with soil temperature between 0 and 8 °C only. The RER peaked in spring, and a smaller peak was usually observed in the autumn. Root longevity was dependent on altitude and the season in which roots were initiated, and root diameter was a significant factor explaining much of the variability observed. The finest roots usually grew faster and had a higher risk of mortality in gaps than in closed forest. At 2000 m, the finest roots had a higher risk of mortality compared with the lower altitudes. Conclusions:The RER was largely driven by soil temperature and was lower in cold soils. At the treeline, ephemeral fine roots were more numerous, probably in order to compensate for the shorter growing season. Differences in soil climate and root dynamics between gaps and closed forest were marked at 1400 and 1700 m, but not at 2000 m, where canopy cover was more sparse. Therefore, heterogeneous forest structure and situation play a significant role in determining root demography in temperate, montane forests, mostly through impacts on soil temperature.

SUBMITTER: Wang Y

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6215049 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Tree root dynamics in montane and sub-alpine mixed forest patches.

Wang Y Y Kim J H JH Mao Z Z Ramel M M Pailler F F Perez J J Rey H H Tron S S Jourdan C C Stokes A A

Annals of botany 20181101 5

<h4>Background and aims</h4>The structure of heterogeneous forests has consequences for their biophysical environment. Variations in the local climate significantly affect tree physiological processes. We hypothesize that forest structure also alters tree root elongation and longevity through temporal and spatial variations in soil temperature and water potential.<h4>Methods</h4>We installed rhizotrons in paired vegetation communities of closed forest (tree islands) and open patches (canopy gaps ...[more]

PMID: 29506133

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Project description:Background Soil microenvironmental variables showed an important key in α and β-tree diversity in Neotropical montane oak forest. Thus, understanding the microenvironment fluctuation at small-fragment effects on tree diversity is crucial in maintaining the montane oak ecosystems. In this study, we hypothesized that within a relatively small-fragment (151.63 ha), tree α and β-diversity fluctuate and specific soil microenvironmental factors could influence tree species diversity to answer three questions: Do tree α and β-diversity differ among transects, even in a short-distance between them? Do microenvironmental variables influence tree diversity composition that occurs within a relict Neotropical montane oak forest? Is there a particular microenvironmental variable influencing tree species-specific? Methods We established four permanent transects during a year in a relict Neotropical montane oak forest, we assessed tree diversity and specific microenvironmental variables (soil moisture, soil temperature, pH, depth litterfall and light incidence). This allowed us to evaluate how microenvironmental variables at small-fragment influence α and β-tree diversity and tree species-specific. Results Our results showed that α-diversity was not different among transects; however, β-diversity of tree species was mostly explained by turnover and soil moisture, soil temperature, and light incidence were the microenvironmental variables that triggered the replacement (i.e., one species by another). Those variables also had effect on tree species-specific: Mexican beech (Fagus mexicana), Quebracho (Quercus delgadoana), Pezma (Cyathea fulva), Aguacatillo (Beilschmiedia mexicana), Pezma (Dicksonia sellowiana var. arachneosa), and Mountain magnolia (Magnolia schiedeana). Discussion Our results confirm our hypothesis related to β-diversity but not with α-diversity; however, the tree community structure of the diversity was similar among transects. Our study represents the first effort to evaluate and link the soil microenvironmental effect on tree α and β-diversity, finding a high replacement in a small-fragment of Neotropical montane oak forest from eastern Mexico.

Dataset Information

Tree root dynamics in montane and sub-alpine mixed forest patches.

Publications

Tree root dynamics in montane and sub-alpine mixed forest patches.

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