Multiple responses of fine root resource uptake strategies to gravel content in a subtropical plantation

Most forest soils contain substantial amounts of gravel. However, unlike the more widely known root resource uptake behaviors which respond to patches in substrate without gravels, how roots containing different gravel levels is poorly understood. We grew substrates with five (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% volume) a subtropical Schima superba Gardn. et Champ plantation, determined fine dynamics turnover rate minirhizotrons, measured morphological, architectural, mycorrhizal colonization, chemistry, mass allocation. The presence delayed timing peak growth. In higher content, plants produced autumn, but there were fewer summer tended exhibit lower biomass content was associated carbon/nitrogen ratio. Our findings emphasize complexity behavior response suggest that incorporating into studies may help improve prediction patch exploitation nutrient acquisition stony soils.