Intraspecific variations in fine root N and P and factors affecting their concentrations in Masson pine plantations across subtropical China

doi:10.1007/s11676-022-01551-9

Abstract

Abstract:

Fine roots (< 2 mm) play vital roles in water and nutrient uptake. However, intraspecific variations in their chemical traits and their controlling mechanisms remain poorly understood at a regional scale. This study examined these intraspecific variations in fine roots in Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) plantations across subtropical China and their responses to environmental factors. Root nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations and their mass ratios (N:P) ranged from 3.5 to 11.7 g kg⁻¹, 0.2 to 0.9 g kg⁻¹, and 7.8 to 51.6 g kg⁻¹, respectively. These three chemical traits were significantly different between sites and in longitudinal patterns across subtropical China. Mean annual temperature was positively related to root N concentration but negatively related to root P concentration. There were significant, negative relationships between clay content and root P concentration and between pH and root N concentration. Available N had no significant relationship with root N concentration, while available P was a significantly positive relationship with root P concentration. The combined effects of altitude, climate (temperature and precipitation) and soil properties (pH, clay content, available N and P) explained 26% and 36% of the root N and P concentrations variations, respectively. These environmental variables had direct and indirect effects and exhibited disproportionate levels of total effects on root N and P concentrations. Root N and P concentrations explained 35% and 65% variations in their mass ratios, respectively. The results highlight different spatial patterns of chemical traits and various environmental controls on root N and P concentrations in these ecosystems. More cause-effect relationships of root chemical traits with abiotic and biotic factors are needed to understand nutrient uptake strategies and the mechanisms controlling intraspecific variations in plant traits.

Key words: Fine root, Chemical traits, Environmental variables, Pinus massoniana, Subtropical China

Zunji Jian, Jin Xu, Yanyan Ni, Lei Lei, Lixiong Zeng, Wenfa Xiao. Intraspecific variations in fine root N and P and factors affecting their concentrations in Masson pine plantations across subtropical China[J]. JOURNAL OF FORESTRY RESEARCH, 2023, 34(5): 1463-1473.

Zunji Jian, Jin Xu, Yanyan Ni, Lei Lei, Lixiong Zeng, Wenfa Xiao. [J]. 林业研究(英文版), 2023, 34(5): 1463-1473.

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