Linking Leaf and Root Traits to Ecosystem Structure and Function in a Common Garden Study of 14 Temperate Tree Species

University Of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis MN

Investigators

Abstract

00-90069 Reich Linking leaf and root traits to ecosystem structure and function in a common garden study of 14 temperate tree species Natural ecosystems are dynamic, not static. For instance, plants themselves alter properties of soils and ecosystems. Thus, the characteristics of different plant species influence important ecosystem functions such as soil fertility, soil development and plant productivity, and thus in part control ecosystem functioning. The specifics of these controls, however, are very poorly understood due to difficulties in separating effects of climate or soils from those of vegetation. To explore the way in which plants can influence their own environment, the investigators will use a common-garden experiment of 32-year old monoculture stands of 14 temperate tree species in Poland. This is the only such experiment in the world. The long-range goals of the overall effort include examining: above and belowground tissue physiology and productivity; decomposition; soil N and C cycling; soil chemistry and pedogenesis; and integrated modeling. This project will focus on measuring the phenology of roots and foliage, and the associated turnover rates and fluxes.