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Root dynamics of Carex stricta-dominated tussock meadows

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Abstract

Background and aims

The roots of tussock-forming plants contribute to the formation of microtopographic features in many ecosystems, but the dynamics of such roots are poorly understood. We examined the spatial heterogeneity of tussock fine root dynamics to investigate allocation patterns and the role of root productivity in the persistence of tussock structures.

Methods

We compared the spatial variability of fine root (<1 mm, 1–2 mm) density, biomass, % live, allocation, turnover rate (using bomb 14C), and productivity of four Carex stricta Lam.-dominated tussock meadows in the upper Midwest, USA (3 reference, 1 restored site).

Results

Relative to underlying microsites, tussocks were warm, dry, and high in root density, productivity, % live biomass, and turnover. Root productivity averaged 649 g m−2 yr−1 (±208) in reference sites, comprised 57 % (±10) of total net production, and was concentrated in tussocks (70 % ± 4). Root turnover rate averaged 0.63 yr−1 (±0.08), but tussocks had ~50 % faster root turnover than the underlying soil, and <1 mm roots turned over ~40 % faster than 1–2 mm roots.

Conclusions

Our detailed analysis of the spatial heterogeneity of tussock root dynamics suggests that high allocation and elevated turnover of tussock roots facilitates organic matter accumulation and tussock persistence over time.

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Acknowledgements

Research was supported in part by a NSF Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant (#0909933) and an ON and EK Allen Fellowship to BAL. We thank James Doherty and Chun Ma for providing field and laboratory assistance, Randy Jackson and Chris Kucharik for technical support, Joe Yavitt and two anonymous reviewers for providing feedback on previous drafts. Kandis Elliot greatly improved Fig. 1. We also thank Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park, Wisconsin DNR State Natural Areas, and Wetlands Research, Inc., for access to research sites.

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  1. Beth A. Lawrence

    Present address: Department of Environmental Science and Studies, DePaul University, 1110 West Belden Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60614, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 430 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI, 53706, USA

    Beth A. Lawrence & Joy B. Zedler

  2. Department of Arboretum, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 430 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI, 53706, USA

    Joy B. Zedler

  3. Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, 12 Fernow Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA

    Timothy J. Fahey

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  1. Beth A. Lawrence
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Correspondence to Beth A. Lawrence.

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Lawrence, B.A., Fahey, T.J. & Zedler, J.B. Root dynamics of Carex stricta-dominated tussock meadows. Plant Soil 364, 325–339 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-012-1360-y

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