Soil Depth Can Modify the Contribution of Root System Architecture to the Root Decomposition Rate

Aims: Changes in root system architecture (RSA) and soil depth affect the decomposition rate. However, due to opacity, many variables of RSA have not been well studied or even measured. Methods: To investigate effects characteristics on rate, samples (Soil cores were collected October 2020 from Cunninghamia lanceolata Pinus taeda plantations, which 40 years old) obtained using a auger had diameter 10 cm length 60 cm. Samples taken six different depths, ranging 0 with interval between each depth. The in-situ was analyzed computed tomography scans Avizo. Results: Root volume number throats significantly higher at 0–10 than 10–60 depth, but lower 50–60 (p < 0.05). Structural equation modeling showed that stand types influenced biomass thus rate directly indirectly through types. RSA, i.e., thickness breadth, affected then contributed most (20.19%) (32.26%) plantations. contribution exceeded 50% 20–30 40–50 depths. Conclusions: Our findings suggested influence varies This deserves more consideration our future studies RSA.