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Estimating nutrient uptake by mature tree roots under field conditions: challenges and opportunities

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Abstract

Nutrient uptake by roots of mature trees is difficult to measure accurately under field conditions using existing methods. In this review, we discuss current techniques for measuring uptake at the root surface including excised roots, isotopic tracers, autoradiography, depletion, and lysimeters. Although these methods have provided many insights, each has drawbacks. Estimates of uptake are affected by the sampling scheme, experimental conditions, whether roots are excised or not, concentrations of ions, and the rate of efflux of ions. Microbes and mycorrhizas can also affect estimates of uptake. A greater focus on methods development is critical to advancing our understanding of nutrient uptake of mature trees under conditions representative of those in the field.

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Acknowledgments

We wish to thank Sarah Kulpa and Don Bickelhaupt for their technical assistance. Financial support was provided by the National Science Foundation through grants DEB-0087263 and 9211768.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forest and Natural Resources, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA

    Melissa S. Lucash & Ruth D. Yanai

  2. Department of Horticulture, Pennsylvania State University, 218 Tyson Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA

    David M. Eissenstat

  3. Belowground Forest Research, Apartado 104-5655, Santa Elena de Monteverde, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

    J. Devereux Joslin

  4. Department of Forest Engineering, Oregon State University, 204 Peavy Hall, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA

    Karis J. McFarlane

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  1. Melissa S. Lucash
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  4. Karis J. McFarlane
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  5. Ruth D. Yanai
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Correspondence to Ruth D. Yanai.

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Communicated by H. Rennenberg.

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Lucash, M.S., Eissenstat, D.M., Joslin, J.D. et al. Estimating nutrient uptake by mature tree roots under field conditions: challenges and opportunities. Trees 21, 593–603 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-007-0160-0

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