1
|
Hu J, Zhang X, Yan M, Bai L, Wang S, Wang B, Liu J, Gao Y. Cyclic loading changes the taproot's tensile properties and reinforces the soil via the shrub's taproot in semi-arid areas, China. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2281. [PMID: 38280897 PMCID: PMC10821891 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52740-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to reveal the soil reinforcement by shrub root systems after repeated stress from external forces, such as high winds and runoff, for extended periods in the wind-hydraulic compound erosion zone. Using the widely distributed Shandong mine area soil and water-conserving plant species, Caragana microphylla, Hippophae rhamnoides, and Artemisia ordosica, cyclic loading tests were conducted on taproots of the three plant species (1-5 mm diameter) via a TY8000 servo-type machine to investigate the taproots' tensile properties response to repeated loading-unloading using simulated high wind pulling and runoff scouring. Our study revealed that the tensile force was positively correlated with the root diameter but the tensile strength was negatively correlated under monotonic and cyclic loading of the three plants' taproots. However, after cyclic loading, the three plant species' taproots significantly enhanced the tensile force and strength more than monotonic loading (P < 0.05). The taproot force-displacement hysteresis curves of the three plant species revealed obvious cyclic characteristics. Structural equation modeling analysis revealed that root diameter and damage method directly affected the taproots' survival rate, reflecting their sustainable soil reinforcement capacity. The damage method significantly influenced the soil reinforcement more than the root diameter. Our findings reveal that the plant species' taproots can adapt more to the external environment and enhance their resistance to erosion after natural low perimeter erosion damage, effectively inducing soil reinforcement. Particularly, the taproots of Caragana microphylla have superior soil-fixing ability and can be used for ecological restoration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Hu
- College of Desert Control Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010019, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Ministry of Water Resources, Institute of Water Resource for Pasturing Area, Hohhot, 010010, China
| | - Maolin Yan
- Landscape Environment Department, Inner Mongolia Academy of Forestry Science, Hohhot, 010013, China
| | - Luyi Bai
- Soil Ecology Department, Inner Mongolia Research Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Hohhot, 010011, China
| | - Shusen Wang
- College of Desert Control Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010019, China.
| | - Bo Wang
- College of Geographical Science, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, 010028, China
| | - Jing Liu
- College of Desert Control Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010019, China
| | - Yong Gao
- College of Desert Control Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010019, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang YL, Yang Y, Saurer M, Schaub M, Gessler A, Lehmann MM, Rigling A, Walser M, Stierli B, Hajjar N, Christen D, Li MH. Sugar infusion into trees: A novel method to study tree carbon relations and its regulations. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1142595. [PMID: 36909442 PMCID: PMC9996627 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1142595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Many carbon-related physiological questions in plants such as carbon (C) limitation or starvation have not yet been resolved thoroughly due to the lack of suitable experimental methodology. As a first step towards resolving these problems, we conducted infusion experiments with bonsai trees (Ficus microcarpa) and young maple trees (Acer pseudoplatanus) in greenhouse, and with adult Scots pine trees (Pinus sylvestris) in the field, that were "fed" with 13C-labelled glucose either through the phloem or the xylem. We then traced the 13C-signal in plant organic matter and respiration to test whether trees can take up and metabolize exogenous sugars infused. Ten weeks after infusion started, xylem but not phloem infusion significantly increased the δ13C values in both aboveground and belowground tissues of the bonsai trees in the greenhouse, whereas xylem infusion significantly increased xylem δ13C values and phloem infusion significantly increased phloem δ13C values of the adult pines in the field experiment, compared to the corresponding controls. The respiration measurement experiment with young maple trees showed significantly increased δ13C-values in shoot respired CO2 at the time of four weeks after xylem infusion started. Our results clearly indicate that trees do translocate and metabolize exogenous sugars infused, and because the phloem layer is too thin, and thus xylem infusion can be better operated than phloem infusion. This tree infusion method developed here opens up new avenues and has great potential to be used for research on the whole plant C balance and its regulation in response to environmental factors and extreme stress conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Li Zhang
- Forest Dynamics, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Yue Yang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Forest Dynamics, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Saurer
- Forest Dynamics, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Marcus Schaub
- Forest Dynamics, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Arthur Gessler
- Forest Dynamics, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marco M. Lehmann
- Forest Dynamics, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Rigling
- Forest Dynamics, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Walser
- Forest Soils and Biogeochemistry, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Beat Stierli
- Forest Soils and Biogeochemistry, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Noureddine Hajjar
- Forest Soils and Biogeochemistry, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Christen
- Forest Soils and Biogeochemistry, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Mai-He Li
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Key Laboratory of Geographical Processes and Ecological Security in Changbai Mountains, Ministry of Education, School of Geographical Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang Y, Ouyang S, Gessler A, Wang X, Na R, He HS, Wu Z, Li MH. Root Carbon Resources Determine Survival and Growth of Young Trees Under Long Drought in Combination With Fertilization. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:929855. [PMID: 35720584 PMCID: PMC9204053 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.929855] [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: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Current increases in not only the intensity and frequency but also the duration of drought events could affect the growth, physiology, and mortality of trees. We experimentally studied the effects of drought duration in combination with fertilization on leaf water potential, gas exchange, growth, tissue levels of non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), tissue NSC consumption over-winter, and recovery after drought release in oak (Quercus petraea) and beech (Fagus sylvatica) saplings. Long drought duration (>1 month) decreased leaf water potential, photosynthesis, and NSC concentrations in both oak and beech saplings. Nitrogen fertilization did not mitigate the negative drought effects on both species. The photosynthesis and relative height increment recovered in the following rewetting year. Height growth in the rewetting year was significantly positively correlated with both pre- and post-winter root NSC levels. Root carbon reserve is critical for tree growth and survival under long-lasting drought. Our results indicate that beech is more sensitive to drought and fertilization than oak. The present study, in a physiological perspective, experimentally confirmed the view that the European beech, compared to oak, may be more strongly affected by future environmental changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Key Laboratory of Geographical Processes and Ecological Security in Changbai Mountains, Ministry of Education, School of Geographical Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Shengnan Ouyang
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Institute for Forest Resources and Environment Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Arthur Gessler
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Jiyang College of Zhejiang A and F University, Zhuji, China
| | - Risu Na
- School of Geographical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, China
| | - Hong S. He
- Key Laboratory of Geographical Processes and Ecological Security in Changbai Mountains, Ministry of Education, School of Geographical Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
- School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Zhengfang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Geographical Processes and Ecological Security in Changbai Mountains, Ministry of Education, School of Geographical Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Mai-He Li
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Key Laboratory of Geographical Processes and Ecological Security in Changbai Mountains, Ministry of Education, School of Geographical Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Freschet GT, Pagès L, Iversen CM, Comas LH, Rewald B, Roumet C, Klimešová J, Zadworny M, Poorter H, Postma JA, Adams TS, Bagniewska‐Zadworna A, Bengough AG, Blancaflor EB, Brunner I, Cornelissen JHC, Garnier E, Gessler A, Hobbie SE, Meier IC, Mommer L, Picon‐Cochard C, Rose L, Ryser P, Scherer‐Lorenzen M, Soudzilovskaia NA, Stokes A, Sun T, Valverde‐Barrantes OJ, Weemstra M, Weigelt A, Wurzburger N, York LM, Batterman SA, Gomes de Moraes M, Janeček Š, Lambers H, Salmon V, Tharayil N, McCormack ML. A starting guide to root ecology: strengthening ecological concepts and standardising root classification, sampling, processing and trait measurements. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 232:973-1122. [PMID: 34608637 PMCID: PMC8518129 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
In the context of a recent massive increase in research on plant root functions and their impact on the environment, root ecologists currently face many important challenges to keep on generating cutting-edge, meaningful and integrated knowledge. Consideration of the below-ground components in plant and ecosystem studies has been consistently called for in recent decades, but methodology is disparate and sometimes inappropriate. This handbook, based on the collective effort of a large team of experts, will improve trait comparisons across studies and integration of information across databases by providing standardised methods and controlled vocabularies. It is meant to be used not only as starting point by students and scientists who desire working on below-ground ecosystems, but also by experts for consolidating and broadening their views on multiple aspects of root ecology. Beyond the classical compilation of measurement protocols, we have synthesised recommendations from the literature to provide key background knowledge useful for: (1) defining below-ground plant entities and giving keys for their meaningful dissection, classification and naming beyond the classical fine-root vs coarse-root approach; (2) considering the specificity of root research to produce sound laboratory and field data; (3) describing typical, but overlooked steps for studying roots (e.g. root handling, cleaning and storage); and (4) gathering metadata necessary for the interpretation of results and their reuse. Most importantly, all root traits have been introduced with some degree of ecological context that will be a foundation for understanding their ecological meaning, their typical use and uncertainties, and some methodological and conceptual perspectives for future research. Considering all of this, we urge readers not to solely extract protocol recommendations for trait measurements from this work, but to take a moment to read and reflect on the extensive information contained in this broader guide to root ecology, including sections I-VII and the many introductions to each section and root trait description. Finally, it is critical to understand that a major aim of this guide is to help break down barriers between the many subdisciplines of root ecology and ecophysiology, broaden researchers' views on the multiple aspects of root study and create favourable conditions for the inception of comprehensive experiments on the role of roots in plant and ecosystem functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grégoire T. Freschet
- CEFEUniv Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD1919 route de MendeMontpellier34293France
- Station d’Ecologie Théorique et ExpérimentaleCNRS2 route du CNRS09200MoulisFrance
| | - Loïc Pagès
- UR 1115 PSHCentre PACA, site AgroparcINRAE84914Avignon cedex 9France
| | - Colleen M. Iversen
- Environmental Sciences Division and Climate Change Science InstituteOak Ridge National LaboratoryOak RidgeTN37831USA
| | - Louise H. Comas
- USDA‐ARS Water Management Research Unit2150 Centre Avenue, Bldg D, Suite 320Fort CollinsCO80526USA
| | - Boris Rewald
- Department of Forest and Soil SciencesUniversity of Natural Resources and Life SciencesVienna1190Austria
| | - Catherine Roumet
- CEFEUniv Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD1919 route de MendeMontpellier34293France
| | - Jitka Klimešová
- Department of Functional EcologyInstitute of Botany CASDukelska 13537901TrebonCzech Republic
| | - Marcin Zadworny
- Institute of DendrologyPolish Academy of SciencesParkowa 562‐035KórnikPoland
| | - Hendrik Poorter
- Plant Sciences (IBG‐2)Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbHD‐52425JülichGermany
- Department of Biological SciencesMacquarie UniversityNorth RydeNSW2109Australia
| | | | - Thomas S. Adams
- Department of Plant SciencesThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPA16802USA
| | - Agnieszka Bagniewska‐Zadworna
- Department of General BotanyInstitute of Experimental BiologyFaculty of BiologyAdam Mickiewicz UniversityUniwersytetu Poznańskiego 661-614PoznańPoland
| | - A. Glyn Bengough
- The James Hutton InstituteInvergowrie, Dundee,DD2 5DAUK
- School of Science and EngineeringUniversity of DundeeDundee,DD1 4HNUK
| | | | - Ivano Brunner
- Forest Soils and BiogeochemistrySwiss Federal Research Institute WSLZürcherstr. 1118903BirmensdorfSwitzerland
| | - Johannes H. C. Cornelissen
- Department of Ecological ScienceFaculty of ScienceVrije Universiteit AmsterdamDe Boelelaan 1085Amsterdam1081 HVthe Netherlands
| | - Eric Garnier
- CEFEUniv Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD1919 route de MendeMontpellier34293France
| | - Arthur Gessler
- Forest DynamicsSwiss Federal Research Institute WSLZürcherstr. 1118903BirmensdorfSwitzerland
- Institute of Terrestrial EcosystemsETH Zurich8092ZurichSwitzerland
| | - Sarah E. Hobbie
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and BehaviorUniversity of MinnesotaSt PaulMN55108USA
| | - Ina C. Meier
- Functional Forest EcologyUniversity of HamburgHaidkrugsweg 122885BarsbütelGermany
| | - Liesje Mommer
- Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation GroupDepartment of Environmental SciencesWageningen University and ResearchPO Box 476700 AAWageningenthe Netherlands
| | | | - Laura Rose
- Station d’Ecologie Théorique et ExpérimentaleCNRS2 route du CNRS09200MoulisFrance
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F)Senckenberganlage 2560325Frankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Peter Ryser
- Laurentian University935 Ramsey Lake RoadSudburyONP3E 2C6Canada
| | | | - Nadejda A. Soudzilovskaia
- Environmental Biology DepartmentInstitute of Environmental SciencesCMLLeiden UniversityLeiden2300 RAthe Netherlands
| | - Alexia Stokes
- INRAEAMAPCIRAD, IRDCNRSUniversity of MontpellierMontpellier34000France
| | - Tao Sun
- Institute of Applied EcologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenyang110016China
| | - Oscar J. Valverde‐Barrantes
- International Center for Tropical BotanyDepartment of Biological SciencesFlorida International UniversityMiamiFL33199USA
| | - Monique Weemstra
- CEFEUniv Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD1919 route de MendeMontpellier34293France
| | - Alexandra Weigelt
- Systematic Botany and Functional BiodiversityInstitute of BiologyLeipzig UniversityJohannisallee 21-23Leipzig04103Germany
| | - Nina Wurzburger
- Odum School of EcologyUniversity of Georgia140 E. Green StreetAthensGA30602USA
| | - Larry M. York
- Biosciences Division and Center for Bioenergy InnovationOak Ridge National LaboratoryOak RidgeTN37831USA
| | - Sarah A. Batterman
- School of Geography and Priestley International Centre for ClimateUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem StudiesMillbrookNY12545USA
| | - Moemy Gomes de Moraes
- Department of BotanyInstitute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Goiás1974690-900Goiânia, GoiásBrazil
| | - Štěpán Janeček
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Western Australia35 Stirling HighwayCrawley (Perth)WA 6009Australia
| | - Hans Lambers
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawley (Perth)WAAustralia
| | - Verity Salmon
- Environmental Sciences Division and Climate Change Science InstituteOak Ridge National LaboratoryOak RidgeTN37831USA
| | - Nishanth Tharayil
- Department of Plant and Environmental SciencesClemson UniversityClemsonSC29634USA
| | - M. Luke McCormack
- Center for Tree ScienceMorton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rt. 53LisleIL60532USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Freschet GT, Pagès L, Iversen CM, Comas LH, Rewald B, Roumet C, Klimešová J, Zadworny M, Poorter H, Postma JA, Adams TS, Bagniewska-Zadworna A, Bengough AG, Blancaflor EB, Brunner I, Cornelissen JHC, Garnier E, Gessler A, Hobbie SE, Meier IC, Mommer L, Picon-Cochard C, Rose L, Ryser P, Scherer-Lorenzen M, Soudzilovskaia NA, Stokes A, Sun T, Valverde-Barrantes OJ, Weemstra M, Weigelt A, Wurzburger N, York LM, Batterman SA, Gomes de Moraes M, Janeček Š, Lambers H, Salmon V, Tharayil N, McCormack ML. A starting guide to root ecology: strengthening ecological concepts and standardising root classification, sampling, processing and trait measurements. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021. [PMID: 34608637 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17572.hal-03379708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
In the context of a recent massive increase in research on plant root functions and their impact on the environment, root ecologists currently face many important challenges to keep on generating cutting-edge, meaningful and integrated knowledge. Consideration of the below-ground components in plant and ecosystem studies has been consistently called for in recent decades, but methodology is disparate and sometimes inappropriate. This handbook, based on the collective effort of a large team of experts, will improve trait comparisons across studies and integration of information across databases by providing standardised methods and controlled vocabularies. It is meant to be used not only as starting point by students and scientists who desire working on below-ground ecosystems, but also by experts for consolidating and broadening their views on multiple aspects of root ecology. Beyond the classical compilation of measurement protocols, we have synthesised recommendations from the literature to provide key background knowledge useful for: (1) defining below-ground plant entities and giving keys for their meaningful dissection, classification and naming beyond the classical fine-root vs coarse-root approach; (2) considering the specificity of root research to produce sound laboratory and field data; (3) describing typical, but overlooked steps for studying roots (e.g. root handling, cleaning and storage); and (4) gathering metadata necessary for the interpretation of results and their reuse. Most importantly, all root traits have been introduced with some degree of ecological context that will be a foundation for understanding their ecological meaning, their typical use and uncertainties, and some methodological and conceptual perspectives for future research. Considering all of this, we urge readers not to solely extract protocol recommendations for trait measurements from this work, but to take a moment to read and reflect on the extensive information contained in this broader guide to root ecology, including sections I-VII and the many introductions to each section and root trait description. Finally, it is critical to understand that a major aim of this guide is to help break down barriers between the many subdisciplines of root ecology and ecophysiology, broaden researchers' views on the multiple aspects of root study and create favourable conditions for the inception of comprehensive experiments on the role of roots in plant and ecosystem functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grégoire T Freschet
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, 1919 route de Mende, Montpellier, 34293, France
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, CNRS, 2 route du CNRS, 09200, Moulis, France
| | - Loïc Pagès
- UR 1115 PSH, Centre PACA, site Agroparc, INRAE, 84914, Avignon cedex 9, France
| | - Colleen M Iversen
- Environmental Sciences Division and Climate Change Science Institute, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Louise H Comas
- USDA-ARS Water Management Research Unit, 2150 Centre Avenue, Bldg D, Suite 320, Fort Collins, CO, 80526, USA
| | - Boris Rewald
- Department of Forest and Soil Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, 1190, Austria
| | - Catherine Roumet
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, 1919 route de Mende, Montpellier, 34293, France
| | - Jitka Klimešová
- Department of Functional Ecology, Institute of Botany CAS, Dukelska 135, 37901, Trebon, Czech Republic
| | - Marcin Zadworny
- Institute of Dendrology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Parkowa 5, 62-035, Kórnik, Poland
| | - Hendrik Poorter
- Plant Sciences (IBG-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, D-52425, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Johannes A Postma
- Plant Sciences (IBG-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, D-52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Thomas S Adams
- Department of Plant Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Agnieszka Bagniewska-Zadworna
- Department of General Botany, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - A Glyn Bengough
- The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee,, DD2 5DA, UK
- School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee,, DD1 4HN, UK
| | - Elison B Blancaflor
- Noble Research Institute, LLC, 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
| | - Ivano Brunner
- Forest Soils and Biogeochemistry, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zürcherstr. 111, 8903, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Johannes H C Cornelissen
- Department of Ecological Science, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Eric Garnier
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, 1919 route de Mende, Montpellier, 34293, France
| | - Arthur Gessler
- Forest Dynamics, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zürcherstr. 111, 8903, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah E Hobbie
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Ina C Meier
- Functional Forest Ecology, University of Hamburg, Haidkrugsweg 1, 22885, Barsbütel, Germany
| | - Liesje Mommer
- Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation Group, Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, PO Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Laura Rose
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, CNRS, 2 route du CNRS, 09200, Moulis, France
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Peter Ryser
- Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada
| | | | - Nadejda A Soudzilovskaia
- Environmental Biology Department, Institute of Environmental Sciences, CML, Leiden University, Leiden, 2300 RA, the Netherlands
| | - Alexia Stokes
- INRAE, AMAP, CIRAD, IRD, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, 34000, France
| | - Tao Sun
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Oscar J Valverde-Barrantes
- International Center for Tropical Botany, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Monique Weemstra
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, 1919 route de Mende, Montpellier, 34293, France
| | - Alexandra Weigelt
- Systematic Botany and Functional Biodiversity, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 21-23, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
| | - Nina Wurzburger
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, 140 E. Green Street, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Larry M York
- Biosciences Division and Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Sarah A Batterman
- School of Geography and Priestley International Centre for Climate, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY, 12545, USA
| | - Moemy Gomes de Moraes
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, 19, 74690-900, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Štěpán Janeček
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley (Perth), WA 6009, Australia
| | - Hans Lambers
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley (Perth), WA, Australia
| | - Verity Salmon
- Environmental Sciences Division and Climate Change Science Institute, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Nishanth Tharayil
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - M Luke McCormack
- Center for Tree Science, Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rt. 53, Lisle, IL, 60532, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
The influence of vegetation on mechanical and hydrological soil behavior represents a significant factor to be considered in shallow landslides modelling. Among the multiple effects exerted by vegetation, root reinforcement is widely recognized as one of the most relevant for slope stability. Lately, the literature has been greatly enriched by novel research on this phenomenon. To investigate which aspects have been most treated, which results have been obtained and which aspects require further attention, we reviewed papers published during the period of 2015–2020 dealing with root reinforcement. This paper—after introducing main effects of vegetation on slope stability, recalling studies of reference—provides a synthesis of the main contributions to the subtopics: (i) approaches for estimating root reinforcement distribution at a regional scale; (ii) new slope stability models, including root reinforcement and (iii) the influence of particular plant species, forest management, forest structure, wildfires and soil moisture gradient on root reinforcement. Including root reinforcement in slope stability analysis has resulted a topic receiving growing attention, particularly in Europe; in addition, research interests are also emerging in Asia. Despite recent advances, including root reinforcement into regional models still represents a research challenge, because of its high spatial and temporal variability: only a few applications are reported about areas of hundreds of square kilometers. The most promising and necessary future research directions include the study of soil moisture gradient and wildfire controls on the root strength, as these aspects have not been fully integrated into slope stability modelling.
Collapse
|
7
|
Mechanical Characteristics of the Fine Roots of Two Broadleaved Tree Species from the Temperate Caspian Hyrcanian Ecoregion. FORESTS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/f11030345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In view of the important role played by roots against shallow landslides, root tensile force was evaluated for two widespread temperate tree species within the Caspian Hyrcanian Ecoregion, i.e., Fagus orientalis L. and Carpinus betulus L. Fine roots (0.02 to 7.99 mm) were collected from five trees of each species at three different elevations (400, 950, and 1350 m a.s.l.), across three diameter at breast height (DBH) classes (small = 7.5–32.5 cm, medium = 32.6–57.5 cm, and large =57.6–82.5 cm), and at two slope positions relative to the tree stem (up- and down-slope). In the laboratory, maximum tensile force (N) required to break the root was determined for 2016 roots (56 roots per each of two species x three sites x three DBH classes x two slope positions). ANCOVA was used to test the effects of slope position, DBH, and study site on root tensile force. To obtain the power-law regression coefficients, a nonlinear least square method was used. We found that: 1) root tensile force strongly depends on root size, 2) F. orientalis roots are stronger than C. betulus ones in the large DBH class, although they are weaker in the medium and small DBH classes, 3) root mechanical resistance is higher upslope than downslope, 4) roots of the trees with larger DBH were the most resistant roots in tension in compare with roots of the medium or small DBH classes, and 5) the root tensile force for both species is notably different from one site to another site. Overall, our findings provide a fundamental contribution to the quantification of the protective effects of forests in the temperate region.
Collapse
|
8
|
Ettbeb AE, Rahman ZA, Razi Idris WM, Adam J, Rahim SA, Ahmad Tarmidzi SN, Lihan T. Root Tensile Resistance of Selected Pennisetum Species and Shear Strength of Root-Permeated Soil. APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL SOIL SCIENCE 2020; 2020:1-9. [DOI: 10.1155/2020/3484718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
It is widely recognized that vegetation plays a significant role in contrasting slope instability through the root reinforcement. The main objectives of this paper are to evaluate the root tensile of selected Pennisetum species, namely, P. pedicellatum (PPd) and P. polystachion (PPl), and to determine the soil shear strength of root-permeated soil from these species. The selected species were initially planted in the polybags using the hydroseeding technique. A mineral fertilizer of NPK ratio 10 : 8 : 10 was adopted in the hydroseeding mixture. Routine watering program was applied twice a day throughout growth observation for six months. Four replications were prepared for each species including a set of control polybags, which contained only soil for reference and comparison. The results of root tensile tests revealed the significant relationships between root diameter and tensile force. In comparison, the PPl was still indicated by higher values of root tensile force than PPd. The presence of roots clearly has contributed to the shear stress of root-permeated soils. The root density based on root biomass measurement attributed to the higher value of peak shear stress as achieved by PPl than PPd. The combined effects of root tensile and the soil shear strengths of this selected species can be used as biological materials in slope protection against erosion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afaff Emhemed Ettbeb
- Center of Earth Science and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Malaysia
- Biotechnology Department, Azzaytuna University, Tarhuna, Libya
| | - Zulfahmi Ali Rahman
- Center of Earth Science and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Wan Mohd Razi Idris
- Center of Earth Science and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Jumaat Adam
- Center of Earth Science and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Malaysia
| | - S. Abd. Rahim
- Environmental Science Program, Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - S. N. Ahmad Tarmidzi
- Center of Earth Science and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Tukimat Lihan
- Center of Earth Science and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mao Z, Wang Y, McCormack ML, Rowe N, Deng X, Yang X, Xia S, Nespoulous J, Sidle RC, Guo D, Stokes A. Mechanical traits of fine roots as a function of topology and anatomy. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2018; 122:1103-1116. [PMID: 29846521 PMCID: PMC6324743 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcy076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Background and Aims Root mechanical traits, including tensile strength (Tr), tensile strain (εr) and modulus of elasticity (Er), are key functional traits that help characterize plant anchorage and the physical contribution of vegetation to landslides and erosion. The variability in these traits is high among tree fine roots and is poorly understood. Here, we explore the variation in root mechanical traits as well as their underlying links with morphological (diameter), architectural (topological order) and anatomical (stele and cortex sizes) traits. Methods We investigated the four tropical tree species Pometia tomentosa, Barringtonia fusicarpa, Baccaurea ramiflora and Pittosporopsis kerrii in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China. For each species, we excavated intact, fresh, fine roots and measured mechanical and anatomical traits for each branching order. Key Results Mechanical traits varied enormously among the four species within a narrow range of diameters (<2 mm): <0.1-65 MPa for Tr, 4-1135 MPa for Er and 0.4-37 % for εr. Across species, Tr and Er were strongly correlated with stele area ratio, which was also better correlated with topological order than with root diameter, especially at interspecific levels. Conclusions Root topological order plays an important role in explaining variability in fine-root mechanical traits due to its reflection of root tissue development. Accounting for topological order when measuring fine-root traits therefore leads to greater empirical understanding of plant functions (e.g. anchorage) within and across species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhun Mao
- AMAP, INRA, CNRS, IRD, CIRAD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, China
| | - M Luke McCormack
- Center of Forest Ecosystem Studies and Qianyanzhou Station, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research (IGSNRR), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - Nick Rowe
- AMAP, INRA, CNRS, IRD, CIRAD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Xiaobao Deng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, China
- Xishuangbanna Station for Tropical Rain Forest Ecosystem Studies, Chinese Ecosystem Research Net, Mengla, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaodong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, China
| | - Shangwen Xia
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, China
| | - Jérôme Nespoulous
- AMAP, INRA, CNRS, IRD, CIRAD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Roy C Sidle
- Sustainability Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dali Guo
- Center of Forest Ecosystem Studies and Qianyanzhou Station, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research (IGSNRR), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Alexia Stokes
- AMAP, INRA, CNRS, IRD, CIRAD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li MH, Jiang Y, Wang A, Li X, Zhu W, Yan CF, Du Z, Shi Z, Lei J, Schönbeck L, He P, Yu FH, Wang X. Active summer carbon storage for winter persistence in trees at the cold alpine treeline. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 38:1345-1355. [PMID: 29538773 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpy020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The low-temperature limited alpine treeline is one of the most obvious boundaries in mountain landscapes. The question of whether resource limitation is the physiological mechanism for the formation of the alpine treeline is still waiting for conclusive evidence and answers. We therefore examined non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) and nitrogen (N) in treeline trees (TATs) and low-elevation trees (LETs) in both summer and winter in 11 alpine treeline cases ranging from subtropical monsoon to temperate continental climates across Eurasia. We found that tissue N concentration did not decrease with increasing elevation at the individual treeline level, but the mean root N concentration was lower in TATs than in LETs across treelines in summer. The TATs did not have lower tissue NSC concentrations than LETs in summer. However, the present study with multiple tree species across a large geographical scale, for the first time, revealed a common phenomenon that TATs had significantly lower NSC concentration in roots but not in the aboveground tissues than LETs in winter. Compared with LETs, TATs exhibited both a passive NSC storage in aboveground tissues in excess of carbon demand and an active starch storage in roots at the expense of growth reduction during the growing season. This starch accumulation disappeared in winter. Our results highlight some important aspects of the N and carbon physiology in relation to season in trees at their upper limits. Whether or to what extent the disadvantages of winter root NSC and summer root N level of TATs affect the growth of treeline trees and the alpine treeline formation needs to be further studied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mai-He Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
- Forest dynamics, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zuercherstrasse 111, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Ao Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
- Forest dynamics, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zuercherstrasse 111, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Xiaobin Li
- State Key Laboratory for Microbial Metabolism and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanze Zhu
- Institute of Mountain Hazard and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Cai-Feng Yan
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhong Du
- College of Land and Resources, China West Normal University, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Zheng Shi
- Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
| | - Jingpin Lei
- Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
- Co-innovation Centre for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Leonie Schönbeck
- Forest dynamics, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zuercherstrasse 111, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Peng He
- Forest dynamics, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zuercherstrasse 111, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Fei-Hai Yu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation, Taizhou University, Taizhou, China
- Forest dynamics, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zuercherstrasse 111, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang A, Wang X, Tognetti R, Lei JP, Pan HL, Liu XL, Jiang Y, Wang XY, He P, Yu FH, Li MH. Elevation alters carbon and nutrient concentrations and stoichiometry in Quercus aquifolioides in southwestern China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 622-623:1463-1475. [PMID: 29890611 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Elevation is a complex environmental factor altering temperature, light, moisture and soil nutrient availability, and thus may affect plant growth and physiology. Such effects of elevation may also depend on seasons. Along an elevational gradient of the Balang Mountain, southwestern China, we sampled soil and 2-year old leaves, 2-year old shoots, stem sapwood and fine roots (diameter<5mm) of Quercus aquifolioides at 2843, 2978, 3159, 3327, 3441 and 3589m a.s.l. in both summer and winter. In summer, the concentrations of tissue non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) did not decrease with increasing elevation, suggesting that the carbon supply is sufficient for plant growth at high altitude in the growing season. The concentration of NSC in fine roots decreased with elevation in winter, and the mean concentration of NSC across tissues in a whole plant showed no significant difference between the two sampling seasons, suggesting that the direction of NSC reallocation among plant tissues changed with season. During the growing season, NSC transferred from leaves to other tissues, and in winter NSC stored in roots transferred from roots to aboveground tissues. Available soil N increased with elevation, but total N concentrations in plant tissues did not show any clear elevational pattern. Both available soil P and total P concentrations in all plant tissues decreased with increasing elevation. Thus, tissue N:P ratio increased with elevation, suggesting that P may become a limiting element for plant growth at high elevation. The present study suggests that the upper limit of Q. aquifolioides on Balang Mountain may be co-determined by winter root NSC storage and P availability. Our results contribute to better understanding of the mechanisms for plants' upper limit formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ao Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China; College of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; Forest dynamics, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zuercherstrasse 111, CH-8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Xue Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China; Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110164, China; Forest dynamics, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zuercherstrasse 111, CH-8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Tognetti
- Dipartimento di Agraria, Ambiente e Alimenti, Università del Molise, 86090 Campobasso, Italy - European Forest Institute (EFI) Project Centre on Mountain Forests (MOUNTFOR), 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Italy
| | - Jing-Pin Lei
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of State Forestry Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Li Pan
- Sichuan Academy of Forestry, Chengdu 610081, China
| | | | - Yong Jiang
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110164, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Wang
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110164, China; Forest dynamics, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zuercherstrasse 111, CH-8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Peng He
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110164, China; Forest dynamics, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zuercherstrasse 111, CH-8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Fei-Hai Yu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China.
| | - Mai-He Li
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110164, China; Forest dynamics, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zuercherstrasse 111, CH-8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lombardi F, Scippa GS, Lasserre B, Montagnoli A, Tognetti R, Marchetti M, Chiatante D. The influence of slope on Spartium junceum root system: morphological, anatomical and biomechanical adaptation. JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH 2017; 130:515-525. [PMID: 28299515 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-017-0919-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Root systems have a pivotal role in plant anchorage and their mechanical interactions with the soil may contribute to soil reinforcement and stabilization of slide-prone slopes. In order to understand the responses of root system to mechanical stress induced by slope, samples of Spartium junceum L., growing in slope and in plane natural conditions, were compared in their morphology, biomechanical properties and anatomical features. Soils sampled in slope and plane revealed similar characteristics, with the exception of organic matter content and penetrometer resistance, both higher in slope. Slope significantly influenced root morphology and in particular the distribution of lateral roots along the soil depth. Indeed, first-order lateral roots of plants growing on slope condition showed an asymmetric distribution between up- and down-slope. Contrarily, this asymmetric distribution was not observed in plants growing in plane. The tensile strength was higher in lateral roots growing up-slope and in plane conditions than in those growing down-slope. Anatomical investigations revealed that, while roots grown up-slope had higher area covered by xylem fibers, the ratio of xylem and phloem fibers to root diameter did not differ among the three conditions, as also, no differences were found for xylem fiber cell wall thickness. Roots growing up-slope were the main contributors to anchorage properties, which included higher strength and higher number of fibers in the xylematic tissues. Results suggested that a combination of root-specific morphological, anatomical and biomechanical traits, determines anchorage functions in slope conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Lombardi
- Dipartimento di AGRARIA, Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, Loc. Feo di Vito, 89122, Reggio Calabria, Italy.
| | - G S Scippa
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze e Territorio, Università degli Studi del Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090, Pesche, Is, Italy
| | - B Lasserre
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze e Territorio, Università degli Studi del Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090, Pesche, Is, Italy
| | - A Montagnoli
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Scienze della Vita, Università dell'Insubria, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - R Tognetti
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze e Territorio, Università degli Studi del Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090, Pesche, Is, Italy
- The EFI project centre on mountain forests (MOUNTFOR), Edmund Mach Foundation, Via Edmund Mach 1, San Michele all'Adige, Tn, 38010, Italy
| | - M Marchetti
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze e Territorio, Università degli Studi del Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090, Pesche, Is, Italy
| | - D Chiatante
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Scienze della Vita, Università dell'Insubria, 21100, Varese, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dang HS, Zhang KR, Zhang QF, Xu YM. Temporal variations of mobile carbohydrates in Abies fargesii at the upper tree limits. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2015; 17:106-113. [PMID: 24954386 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2013] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Low temperatures are associated high-altitude treelines, but the functional mechanism of treeline formation remains controversial. The relative contributions of carbon limitation (source activity) and growth limitation (sink activity) require more tests across taxa and regions. We examined temporal variations of mobile carbon supply in different tissues of Abies fargesii across treeline ecotones on north- and south-facing slopes of the Qinling Mountains, China. Non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) concentrations in tissues along the altitudinal gradient on both slopes changed significantly in the early and late growing season, but not in the mid-growing season, indicating the season-dependent carbon supply status. Late in the growing season on both slopes, trees at the upper limits had the highest NSC concentrations and total soluble sugars and lowest starch concentrations compared to trees at the lower elevations. NSC concentrations tended to increase in needles and branches throughout the growing season with increasing elevation on both slopes, but declined in roots and stems. NSC concentrations across sampling dates also indicated increases in needles and branches, and decreases in roots and stem with increasing elevation. Overall altitudinal trends of NSC in A. fargesii revealed no depletion of mobile carbon reserves at upper elevation limits, suggesting limitation of sink activity dominates tree life across treeline ecotones in both north- and south-facing slopes. Carbon reserves in storage tissues (especially roots) in the late growing season might also play an important role in winter survival and early growth in spring at upper elevations on both slopes, which define the uppermost limit of A. fargesii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H S Dang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Saifuddin M, Osman N. Hydrological and mechanical properties of plants to predict suitable legume species for reinforcing soil. CHINESE SCIENCE BULLETIN-CHINESE 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s11434-014-0391-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
15
|
Schenker G, Lenz A, Körner C, Hoch G. Physiological minimum temperatures for root growth in seven common European broad-leaved tree species. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2014; 34:302-313. [PMID: 24584221 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpu003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Temperature is the most important factor driving the cold edge distribution limit of temperate trees. Here, we identified the minimum temperatures for root growth in seven broad-leaved tree species, compared them with the species' natural elevational limits and identified morphological changes in roots produced near their physiological cold limit. Seedlings were exposed to a vertical soil-temperature gradient from 20 to 2 °C along the rooting zone for 18 weeks. In all species, the bulk of roots was produced at temperatures above 5 °C. However, the absolute minimum temperatures for root growth differed among species between 2.3 and 4.2 °C, with those species that reach their natural distribution limits at higher elevations also tending to have lower thermal limits for root tissue formation. In all investigated species, the roots produced at temperatures close to the thermal limit were pale, thick, unbranched and of reduced mechanical strength. Across species, the specific root length (m g(-1) root) was reduced by, on average, 60% at temperatures below 7 °C. A significant correlation of minimum temperatures for root growth with the natural high elevation limits of the investigated species indicates species-specific thermal requirements for basic physiological processes. Although these limits are not necessarily directly causative for the upper distribution limit of a species, they seem to belong to a syndrome of adaptive processes for life at low temperatures. The anatomical changes at the cold limit likely hint at the mechanisms impeding meristematic activity at low temperatures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Schenker
- Institute of Botany, University of Basel, Schönbeinstrasse 6, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lei JP, Xiao W, Liu JF, Xiong D, Wang P, Pan L, Jiang Y, Li MH. Responses of nutrients and mobile carbohydrates in Quercus variabilis seedlings to environmental variations using in situ and ex situ experiments. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61192. [PMID: 23593429 PMCID: PMC3620538 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Forest tree species distributed across a wide range of geographical areas are subjected to differential climatic and edaphic conditions and long-term selection, leading to genotypes with morphological and physiological adaptation to the local environment. To test the ability of species to cope with changing environmental conditions, we studied the ecophysiological features of Quercus variabilis using seedlings grown in geographically widely isolated populations (Exp. I, in situ) and in a common garden (Exp. II, ex situ) using seedlings originating from those populations. We found that Q. variabilis plants grown in different locations along a south-north gradient had different levels of nutrients (N, P, K) and carbon-physiological performance (photosynthesis, non-structural carbohydrates, such as soluble sugars and starch), and that these physiological differences were not correlated with local soil properties. These geographic variations of plant physiology disappeared when plants from different locations were grown in the same environment. Our results indicate that the physiological performance of Q. variabilis plants is mainly determined by the climatic variations across latitude rather than by their soils or by genetic differentiation. The adaptive ability of Q. variabilis found in the present study suggests that this species has the potential to cope, at least to some extent, with changing environmental conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Pin Lei
- Key Laboratory of Tree Breeding and Cultivation of State Forestry Administration, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li MH, Cherubini P, Dobbertin M, Arend M, Xiao WF, Rigling A. Responses of leaf nitrogen and mobile carbohydrates in different Quercus species/provenances to moderate climate changes. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2013; 15 Suppl 1:177-84. [PMID: 22583546 DOI: 10.1111/j.1438-8677.2012.00579.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Global warming and shortage of water have been evidenced in the recent past and are predicted for the future. Climate change will inevitably have considerable impact on plant physiology, growth, productivity and forest ecosystem functions. The present study determined the effects of simulated daytime air warming (+1 to 1.5 °C during the growing season), drought (-40% and -57% of mean precipitation of 728 mm during the 2007 and 2008 growing season, respectively) and their combination, on leaf nitrogen (N) and non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) of two Quercus species (Q. robur and Q. petraea) and provenances (two provenances for each species) grown in two soil types in Switzerland across two treatment years, to test the hypothesis that leaf N and NSC in the more water-sensitive species (Q. robur) and provenances (originating from water-rich locations) will more strongly respond to global warming and water deficit, compared to those in the more drought-tolerant species (Q. petraea) or provenances. No species- and provenance-specific responses in leaf N and NSC to the climate treatment were found, indicating that the results failed to support our hypothesis. The between-species variation of leaf N and NSC concentrations mainly reflected differences in biology of the two species, and the between-provenance variation of N and NSC concentrations apparently mirrored the climate of their origins. Hence, we conclude that (i) the two Quercus species studied are somewhat insensitive, due to their distribution covering a wide geographical and climate range, to moderate climate change within Switzerland, and (ii) a moderate global warming of B1 scenario (IPCC 2007) will not, or at least less, negatively affect the N and carbon physiology in Q. robur and Q. petraea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M-H Li
- Swiss Federal Research Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Zürcherstrasse 111, Birmensdorf, Switzerland.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhu WZ, Cao M, Wang SG, Xiao WF, Li MH. Seasonal dynamics of mobile carbon supply in Quercus aquifolioides at the upper elevational limit. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34213. [PMID: 22479567 PMCID: PMC3316670 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2011] [Accepted: 02/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies have tried to explain the physiological mechanisms of the alpine treeline phenomenon, but the debate on the alpine treeline formation remains controversial due to opposite results from different studies. The present study explored the carbon-physiology of an alpine shrub species (Quercus aquifolioides) grown at its upper elevational limit compared to lower elevations, to test whether the elevational limit of alpine shrubs (<3 m in height) are determined by carbon limitation or growth limitation. We studied the seasonal variations in non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) and its pool size in Q. aquifolioides grown at 3000 m, 3500 m, and at its elevational limit of 3950 m above sea level (a.s.l.) on Zheduo Mt., SW China. The tissue NSC concentrations along the elevational gradient varied significantly with season, reflecting the season-dependent carbon balance. The NSC levels in tissues were lowest at the beginning of the growing season, indicating that plants used the winter reserve storage for re-growth in the early spring. During the growing season, plants grown at the elevational limit did not show lower NSC concentrations compared to plants at lower elevations, but during the winter season, storage tissues, especially roots, had significantly lower NSC concentrations in plants at the elevational limit compared to lower elevations. The present results suggest the significance of winter reserve in storage tissues, which may determine the winter survival and early-spring re-growth of Q. aquifolioides shrubs at high elevation, leading to the formation of the uppermost distribution limit. This result is consistent with a recent hypothesis for the alpine treeline formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Ze Zhu
- Alpine Ecosystem Observation and Experiment Station of Gongga Mountain, Institute of Mountain Hazard and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Cao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, China
| | - San-Gen Wang
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen-Fan Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Environment, State Forestry Administration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
| | - Mai-He Li
- Tree Physiology Group, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- State Key Laboratory of Forest and Soil Ecology, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|