Estimating fine-root production by tree species and understorey functional groups in two contrasting peatland forests

Background and aims: Estimation of root-mediated carbon fluxes in forested peatlands is needed for understanding ecosystem functioning and supporting greenhouse gas inventories. Here, we aim to determine the optimal methodology for utilizing ingrowth cores in estimating annual fine-root production (...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Plant and soil 2017-03, Vol.412 (1/2), p.299-316
Main Authors: Bhuiyan, Rabbil, Minkkinen, Kari, Helmisaari, Heljä-Sisko, Ojanen, Paavo, Penttilä, Timo, Laiho, Raija
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Bogs
Carbon footprint
Cores
Ecological function
Ecology
Ecosystems
Emission inventories
Environmental aspects
Fens
Forests
Greenhouse gases
Life Sciences
Nutrients
Peat
Peatlands
Plant Physiology
Plant Sciences
Plant species
Regular Article
Soil Science & Conservation
Studies
Trees (Plants)
Vegetation patterns
Vertical distribution
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Summary:Background and aims: Estimation of root-mediated carbon fluxes in forested peatlands is needed for understanding ecosystem functioning and supporting greenhouse gas inventories. Here, we aim to determine the optimal methodology for utilizing ingrowth cores in estimating annual fine-root production (FRP) and its vertical distribution in trees, shrubs and herbs. Methods: We used 3-year data obtained with modified ingrowth core method and tested two calculation methods: 'ingrowth-dividing' and 'ingrowthsubtracting'. Results: The ingrowth-dividing method combined with a 2-year incubation of ingrowth cores can be used for the 'best estimate' of FRP. The FRP in the nutrient-rich fen forest (561 g m⁻²) was more than twice that in the nutrient-poor bog forest (244 g m⁻²). Most FRP occurred in the top 20-cm layer (76-82 %). Tree FRP accounted for 71 % of total FRP in the bog and 94 % in the fen forests, respectively, following the aboveground vegetation patterns; however, in fen forest the proportions of spruce and birch in FRP were higher than their proportions in stand basal area. Conclusions: Our methodology may be used to study peatland FRP patterns more widely and will reduce the volume of labour-intensive work, but will benefit from verification with other methods, as is the case in all in situ FRP studies.
ISSN:0032-079X
1573-5036
DOI:10.1007/s11104-016-3070-3