Relationships between specific root length and respiration rate of fine roots across stands and seasons in Chamaecyparis obtusa

Aims Fine root respiration (Rr) is closely linked with fine root morphology, especially with specific root length (SRL), in short-term measurements in some tree species. However, whether these relationships are also valid across different stands and seasons is not yet known. This study aimed to inve...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Plant and soil 2018-02, Vol.423 (1/2), p.215-227
Main Authors: Miyatani, Kouhei, Tanikawa, Toko, Makita, Naoki, Hirano, Yasuhiro
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Carbon dioxide
Chamaecyparis obtusa
Cypress
Ecology
Growth
Life Sciences
Measurement
Morphology
Plant Physiology
Plant respiration
Plant Sciences
Plant species
Regular Article
Respiration
Roots
Roots (Botany)
Seasons
Segments
Soil Science & Conservation
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Summary:Aims Fine root respiration (Rr) is closely linked with fine root morphology, especially with specific root length (SRL), in short-term measurements in some tree species. However, whether these relationships are also valid across different stands and seasons is not yet known. This study aimed to investigate these relationships in the fine roots of Chamaecyparis obtusa. Methods The Rr, mean root diameter, and SRL of fine root segments of two C. obtusa stands were determined every three months over two years. Results We detected significant positive correlations between Rr and SRL of fine root segments across the stands over two years. The relationship of Rr with SRL was stronger than that with the mean diameter of fine roots. The slopes and intercepts for the Rr and SRL relationships did not differ among stands and measurement times. Further, we proposed a simple approach for estimating CO2 flux from fine roots at the stand level based on SRL and confirmed that the ranges of estimated CO2 values were comparable with those of values reported using the conventional approach. Conclusions The fine root morphology typified by SRL is a key variable in Rr of fine roots and CO2 flux at the stand level.
ISSN:0032-079X
1573-5036
DOI:10.1007/s11104-017-3499-z