Publication
Title
Soil warming duration and magnitude affect the dynamics of fine roots and rhizomes and associated C and N pools in subarctic grasslands
Author
Abstract
Background and Aims The response of subarctic grassland's below-ground to soil warming is key to understanding this ecosystem's adaptation to future climate. Functionally different below-ground plant organs can respond differently to changes in soil temperature (T-s). We aimed to understand the below-ground adaptation mechanisms by analysing the dynamics and chemistry of fine roots and rhizomes in relation to plant community composition and soil chemistry, along with the duration and magnitude of soil warming. Methods We investigated the effects of the duration [medium-term warming (MTW; 11 years) and long-term warming (LTW; > 60 years)] and magnitude (0-8.4 degrees C) of soil warming on below-ground plant biomass (BPB), fine root biomass (FRB) and rhizome biomass (RHB) in geothermally warmed subarctic grasslands. We evaluated the changes in BPB, FRB and RHB and the corresponding carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pools in the context of ambient, T-s < +2 degrees C and T-s > +2 degrees C scenarios. Key Results BPB decreased exponentially in response to an increase in T-s under MTW, whereas FRB declined under both MTW and LTW. The proportion of rhizomes increased and the C-N ratio in rhizomes decreased under LTW. The C and N pools in BPB in highly warmed plots under MTW were 50 % less than in the ambient plots, whereas under LTW, C and N pools in warmed plots were similar to those in non-warmed plots. Approximately 78 % of the variation in FRB, RHB, and C and N concentration and pools in fine roots and rhizomes was explained by the duration and magnitude of soil warming, soil chemistry, plant community functional composition, and above-ground biomass. Plant's below-ground biomass, chemistry and pools were related to a shift in the grassland's plant community composition - the abundance of ferns increased and BPB decreased towards higher T-s under MTW, while the recovery of below-ground C and N pools under LTW was related to a higher plant diversity. Conclusion Our results indicate that plant community-level adaptation of below ground to soil warming occurs over long periods. We provide insight into the potential adaptation phases of subarctic grasslands.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Annals of botany. - Oxford, 1887, currens
Publication
Oxford : 2023
ISSN
0305-7364 [print]
0003-4754 [opgeheven]
1095-8290 [online]
DOI
10.1093/AOB/MCAD102
Volume/pages
132 :2 (2023) , p. 269-279
ISI
001186473900004
Pubmed ID
37471454
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
IMEC-A glimpse into the Arctic future: equipping a unique natural experiment for next-generation ecosystem research (FutureArctic).
A glimpse into the Arctic future: equipping a unique natural experiment for next-generation ecosystem research (FutureArctic).
IMEC-A glimpse into the Arctic future: equipping a unique natural experiment for next-generation ecosystem research (FutureArctic).
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 29.03.2024
Last edited 08.05.2024
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