Increasing nitrogen (N) deposition may affect carbon and nutrient dynamics in forest ecosystems. To better understand the effects of N deposition, we need to improve our knowledge of N effects on fine roots (roots <2 mm in diameter), as they are a key factor in carbon and nutrient dynamics. In this study, we fertilized 1 × 2 m plots in a sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) stand (336 kg ha(-) (1) y(-) ...

Several studies have focused on fine roots characteristics because they provide a major pathway for nutrient cycling and energy flow in forest ecosystems. However, few studies have evaluated changes in fine root characteristics according to their diameter. Pinus massoniana forests are the main vegetative component in the Three Gorges Reservoir area and play an important role in providing forest...

In the letter ‘Fine roots – functional definition expanded to crop species?’ Dr Zobel emphasizes the importance of heterogeneity within crop-root systems. We agree. The importance and quantification of architectural and functional diversity of the fine roots of all plant species was a central point in our article ‘Redefining fine roots improves understanding of below-ground contributions to ter...

Among citrus rootstocks, higher specific root length (SRL, root length}d. wt) has been linked to several specific morphological and physiological traits, including smaller average root diameter, higher root hydraulic conductivity and higher rates of root proliferation. In this study, thickness of the outer tangential exodermal (hypodermal) wall and its suberin layer, number of passage cells, pr...

--Girdling roots are examined and described on streetside Norway maple trees (Acer platanoides L.) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Treatments consisting of cutting girdling roots, fertilizing and pruning foliage were evaluated after two years and found to be of no benefit to girdled trees. From August 1977 to August 1979 this study was made on 410 Norway maple trees (Acer platanoides L.) planted betwee...

Plant roots typically vary along a dominant ecological axis, the root economics spectrum, depicting a tradeoff between resource acquisition and conservation. For absorptive roots, which are mainly responsible for resource acquisition, we hypothesized that root economic strategies differ with increasing root diameter. To test this hypothesis, we used seven plant species (a fern, a conifer, and f...