Root distribution responses to three-dimensional soil heterogeneity in experimental mesocosms

Aims Plant root systems respond to local variation in soil conditions, but principles underlying the spatial distribution of roots in soils with different heterogeneity are not well known. This study investigates how root systems react to experimental variation of soil heterogeneity in three dimensions (3D). Methods We created four levels of soil heterogeneity in mesocosms by alternating nutrient-rich and nutrient-poor substrate in three dimensions. The cell sizes of this soil matrix were 0, 12, 24 or 48 cm. Root distributions of the plant communities establishing on these soils were examined at different scales: mesocosm, substrate type and horizontal layer. Results Mesocosms with higher soil heterogeneity (smaller cells) had more shoot biomass while root biomass was unaffected, in line with our assumption that greater proximity to nutrient-rich patches allows plants on nutrient-poor patches to invest relatively less in roots. More heterogeneous soils also yielded spatially more heterogeneous root systems, i.e. with root biomass that diverged more between nutrient-poor and nutrient-rich cells. This suggests that plants on nutrient-poor cells can more easily grow into adjacent nutrient-rich cells at higher soil heterogeneity. Conclusions More realistic yet complex 3D designs can help improve understanding of root spatial distribution as driven by soil configurational heterogeneity.

Jaar van publicatie:2017

Trefwoorden:A1 Journal article

BOF-keylabel:ja

BOF-publication weight:6

CSS-citation score:2

Authors from:Higher Education

Toegankelijkheid:Open