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Doraisami M, Domke GM, Martin AR. Improving wood carbon fractions for multiscale forest carbon estimation. CARBON BALANCE AND MANAGEMENT 2024; 19:25. [PMID: 39143377 PMCID: PMC11325570 DOI: 10.1186/s13021-024-00272-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wood carbon fractions (CFs)-the proportion of dry woody biomass comprised of elemental carbon (C)-are a key component of forest C estimation protocols and studies. Traditionally, a wood CF of 50% has been assumed in forest C estimation protocols, but recent studies have specifically quantified differences in wood CFs across several different forest biomes and taxonomic divisions, negating the need for generic wood CF assumptions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in its 2006 "Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories", published its own multitiered system of protocols for estimating forest C stocks, which included wood CFs that (1) were based on the best available literature (at the time) and (2) represented a significant improvement over the generic 50% wood CF assumption. However, a considerable number of new studies on wood CFs have been published since 2006, providing more accurate, robust, and spatially- and taxonomically- specific wood CFs for use in forest C estimation. MAIN TEXT We argue that the IPCC's recommended wood CFs and those in many other forest C estimation models and protocols (1) differ substantially from, and are less robust than, wood CFs derived from recently published data-rich studies; and (2) may lead to nontrivial errors in forest C estimates, particularly for countries that rely heavily on Tier 1 forest C methods and protocols (e.g., countries of the Global South with large expanses of tropical forests). Based on previous studies on this topic, we propose an alternative set of refined wood CFs for use in multiscale forest C estimation, and propose a novel decision-making framework for integrating species- and location-specific wood CFs into forest C estimation models. CONCLUSION The refined wood CFs that we present in this commentary may be used by the IPCC to update its recommended wood CFs for use in forest C estimation. Additionally, we propose a novel decision-making framework for integrating data-driven wood CFs into a wider suite of multitiered forest C estimation protocols, models, and studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahendra Doraisami
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Scarborough, M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Grant M Domke
- USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Adam R Martin
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Scarborough, M1C 1A4, Canada.
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Wang M, Kong D, Mo X, Wang Y, Yang Q, Kardol P, Valverde-Barrantes OJ, Simpson MJ, Zeng H, Reich PB, Bergmann J, Tharayil N, Wang J. Molecular-level carbon traits underlie the multidimensional fine root economics space. NATURE PLANTS 2024; 10:901-909. [PMID: 38740944 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-024-01700-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Carbon influences the evolution and functioning of plants and their roots. Previous work examining a small number of commonly measured root traits has revealed a global multidimensionality of the resource economics traits in fine roots considering carbon as primary currency but without considering the diversity of carbon-related traits. To address this knowledge gap, we use data from 66 tree species from a tropical forest to illustrate that root economics space co-varies with a novel molecular-level traits space based on nuclear magnetic resonance. Thinner fine roots exhibit higher proportions of carbohydrates and lower diversity of molecular carbon than thicker roots. Mass-denser fine roots have more lignin and aromatic carbon compounds but less bioactive carbon compounds than lighter roots. Thus, the transition from thin to thick fine roots implies a shift in the root carbon economy from 'do-it-yourself' soil exploration to collaboration with mycorrhizal fungi, while the shift from light to dense fine roots emphasizes a shift from acquisitive to conservative root strategy. We reveal a previously undocumented role of molecular-level carbon traits that potentially undergird the multidimensional root economics space. This finding offers new molecular insight into the diversity of root form and function, which is fundamental to our understanding of plant evolution, species coexistence and adaptations to heterogeneous environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengke Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Deliang Kong
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Xiaohan Mo
- School of Urban Planning and Design, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yinghui Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingpei Yang
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Paul Kardol
- Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Oscar J Valverde-Barrantes
- Department of Biological Sciences, International Center for Tropical Biodiversity, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Myrna J Simpson
- Environmental NMR Centre and Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hui Zeng
- School of Urban Planning and Design, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Peter B Reich
- Department of Forest Resources University of Minnesota St, Paul, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Institute for Global Change Biology and School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Joana Bergmann
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Nishanth Tharayil
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Junjian Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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Zhang Y, Cao J, Lu M, Kardol P, Wang J, Fan G, Kong D. The origin of bi-dimensionality in plant root traits. Trends Ecol Evol 2024; 39:78-88. [PMID: 37777374 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Plant roots show extraordinary diversity in form and function in heterogeneous environments. Mounting evidence has shown global bi-dimensionality in root traits, the root economics spectrum (RES), and an orthogonal dimension describing mycorrhizal collaboration; however, the origin of the bi-dimensionality remains unresolved. Here, we propose that bi-dimensionality arises from the cylindrical geometry of roots, allometry between root cortex and stele, and independence between root cell wall thickness and cell number. Root geometry and mycorrhizal collaboration may both underlie the bi-dimensionality. Further, we emphasize why plant roots should be cylindrical rather than flat. Finally, we highlight the need to integrate organ-, cellular-, and molecular-level processes driving the bi-dimensionality in plant roots to fully understand plant diversity and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Jingjing Cao
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | | | - Paul Kardol
- Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, 75007, Sweden; Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, 90183, Sweden
| | - Junjian Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Guoqiang Fan
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Deliang Kong
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China.
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Schönauer M, Hietz P, Schuldt B, Rewald B. Root and branch hydraulic functioning and trait coordination across organs in drought-deciduous and evergreen tree species of a subtropical highland forest. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1127292. [PMID: 37377798 PMCID: PMC10291250 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1127292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Vessel traits are key in understanding trees' hydraulic efficiency, and related characteristics like growth performance and drought tolerance. While most plant hydraulic studies have focused on aboveground organs, our understanding of root hydraulic functioning and trait coordination across organs remains limited. Furthermore, studies from seasonally dry (sub-)tropical ecosystems and mountain forests are virtually lacking and uncertainties remain regarding potentially different hydraulic strategies of plants differing in leaf habit. Here, we compared wood anatomical traits and specific hydraulic conductivities between coarse roots and small branches of five drought-deciduous and eight evergreen angiosperm tree species in a seasonally dry subtropical Afromontane forest in Ethiopia. We hypothesized that largest vessels and highest hydraulic conductivities are found in roots, with greater vessel tapering between roots and equally-sized branches in evergreen angiosperms due to their drought-tolerating strategy. We further hypothesized that the hydraulic efficiencies of root and branches cannot be predicted from wood density, but that wood densities across organs are generally related. Root-to-branch ratios of conduit diameters varied between 0.8 and 2.8, indicating considerable differences in tapering from coarse roots to small branches. While deciduous trees showed larger branch xylem vessels compared to evergreen angiosperms, root-to-branch ratios were highly variable within both leaf habit types, and evergreen species did not show a more pronounced degree of tapering. Empirically determined hydraulic conductivity and corresponding root-to-branch ratios were similar between both leaf habit types. Wood density of angiosperm roots was negatively related to hydraulic efficiency and vessel dimensions; weaker relationships were found in branches. Wood density of small branches was neither related to stem nor coarse root wood densities. We conclude that in seasonally dry subtropical forests, similar-sized coarse roots hold larger xylem vessels than small branches, but the degree of tapering from roots to branches is highly variable. Our results indicate that leaf habit does not necessarily influence the relationship between coarse root and branch hydraulic traits. However, larger conduits in branches and a low carbon investment in less dense wood may be a prerequisite for high growth rates of drought-deciduous trees during their shortened growing season. The correlation of stem and root wood densities with root hydraulic traits but not branch wood points toward large trade-offs in branch xylem towards mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Schönauer
- Department of Forest and Soil Sciences, Institute of Forest Ecology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Forest Work Science and Engineering, Department of Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter Hietz
- Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, Institute of Botany, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Schuldt
- Chair of Forest Botany, Institute of Forest Botany and Forest Zoology, Technical University of Dresden, Tharandt, Germany
| | - Boris Rewald
- Department of Forest and Soil Sciences, Institute of Forest Ecology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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Mao Z, Roumet C, Rossi LMW, Merino‐Martín L, Nespoulous J, Taugourdeau O, Boukcim H, Fourtier S, Del Rey‐Granado M, Ramel M, Ji K, Zuo J, Fromin N, Stokes A, Fort F. Intra‐ and inter‐specific variation in root mechanical traits for twelve herbaceous plants and their link with the root economics space. OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.09032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhun Mao
- Univ. Montpellier, AMAP, INRAE, CIRAD, CNRS, IRD Montpellier France
| | | | - Lorenzo M. W. Rossi
- Univ. Montpellier, AMAP, INRAE, CIRAD, CNRS, IRD Montpellier France
- Univ. of Cassino Cassino (Fr) Italy
| | - Luis Merino‐Martín
- CEFE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD Montpellier France
- Depto de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, ESCET, Univ. Rey Juan Carlos Madrid Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Merlin Ramel
- Univ. Montpellier, AMAP, INRAE, CIRAD, CNRS, IRD Montpellier France
| | - Kang Ji
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan China
- Univ. of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Juan Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan China
- Centre of Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan China
| | | | - Alexia Stokes
- Univ. Montpellier, AMAP, INRAE, CIRAD, CNRS, IRD Montpellier France
| | - Florian Fort
- CEFE, Univ. Montpellier, Inst. Agro, CNRS, EPHE, IRD Montpellier France
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A global database of woody tissue carbon concentrations. Sci Data 2022. [PMCID: PMC9184483 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01396-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Woody tissue carbon (C) concentration is a key wood trait necessary for accurately estimating forest C stocks and fluxes, which also varies widely across species and biomes. However, coarse approximations of woody tissue C (e.g., 50%) remain commonplace in forest C estimation and reporting protocols, despite leading to substantial errors in forest C estimates. Here, we describe the Global Woody Tissue Carbon Concentration Database (GLOWCAD): a database containing 3,676 individual records of woody tissue C concentrations from 864 tree species. Woody tissue C concentration data—i.e., the mass of C per unit dry mass—were obtained from live and dead woody tissues from 130 peer-reviewed sources published between 1980–2020. Auxiliary data for each observation include tissue type, as well as decay class and size characteristics for dead wood. In GLOWCAD, 1,242 data points are associated with geographic coordinates, and are therefore presented alongside 46 standardized bioclimatic variables extracted from climate databases. GLOWCAD represents the largest available woody tissue C concentration database, and informs studies on forest C estimation, as well as analyses evaluating the extent, causes, and consequences of inter- and intraspecific variation in wood chemical traits. Measurement(s) | wood carbon concentrations | Technology Type(s) | elemental analyzer | Factor Type(s) | species | Sample Characteristic - Organism | Plant | Sample Characteristic - Environment | terrestrial biome | Sample Characteristic - Location | Globe |
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Liao C, Long C, Zhang Q, Cheng X. Stronger effect of litter quality than micro‐organisms on leaf and root litter C and N loss at different decomposition stages following a subtropical land use change. Funct Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liao
- Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Health in Universities of Yunnan Province School of Ecology and Environmental Science Yunnan University Kunming China
| | - Chunyan Long
- Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Health in Universities of Yunnan Province School of Ecology and Environmental Science Yunnan University Kunming China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Health in Universities of Yunnan Province School of Ecology and Environmental Science Yunnan University Kunming China
| | - Xiaoli Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Health in Universities of Yunnan Province School of Ecology and Environmental Science Yunnan University Kunming China
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Yahara H, Tanikawa N, Okamoto M, Makita N. Characterizing fine-root traits by species phylogeny and microbial symbiosis in 11 co-existing woody species. Oecologia 2019; 191:983-993. [DOI: 10.1007/s00442-019-04546-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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