Skip to main content
SLU publication database (SLUpub)

Research article2014Peer reviewed

Fine root turnover and litter production of Norway spruce in a long-term temperature and nutrient manipulation experiment

Leppälammi-Kujansuu, Jaana; Salemaa, Maija; Berggren Kleja, Dan; Linder, Sune; Helmisaari, Heljä-Sisko

Abstract

The number and elongation of fine roots tended to be higher in WI and I compared to the other treatments, which may indicate nutrient shortage. Fine roots in the WFI treatment had the lowest median longevity and from three to fourfold higher below-ground litter production compared to WI, FI or I - higher soil temperature increased the litter input particularly into the mineral soil. Only fertilization increased the above-ground litter production. As warmer and more nutrient-rich soil significantly shortened the fine root lifespan and increased the litter input, the storage of carbon in boreal forest soil may increase in the future.

Keywords

Long-term soil warming; Long-term fertilization; Fine root longevity; Minirhizotron; Litter production; Picea abies; Survival analysis

Published in

Plant and Soil
2014, Volume: 374, number: 1-2, pages: 73-88 Publisher: SPRINGER