Sponsor
The manuscript was conceived during a DOE and NSF-sponsored workshop on root-model dynamics (DOE NSF DEB 1227828). This work was partially supported by a U.S. Department of Energy GREF and from Research Fellowships from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and National Natural Sciences Foundation of China (NSFC) for Young International Researchers (No. 31350110503) to MLM.
Document Type
Post-Print
Publication Date
2014
Subjects
Roots (Botany) -- Ecology, Roots (Botany) -- Development, Roots (Botany) -- Physiology
Abstract
Root biomass, root production and lifespan, and root-mycorrhizal interactions govern soil carbon fluxes and resource uptake and are critical components of terrestrial models. However, limitations in data and confusions over terminology, together with a strong dependence on a small set of conceptual frameworks, have limited the exploration of root function in terrestrial models. We review the key root processes of interest to both field ecologists and modelers including root classification, production, turnover, biomass, resource uptake, and depth distribution to ask (1) what are contemporary approaches for modeling roots in terrestrial models? and (2) can these approaches be improved via recent advancements in field research methods? We isolate several emerging themes that are ready for collaboration among field scientists and modelers: (1) alternatives to size-class based root classifications based on function and the inclusion of fungal symbioses, (2) dynamic root allocation and phenology as a function of root environment, rather than leaf demand alone, (3) improved understanding of the treatment of root turnover in models, including the role of root tissue chemistry on root lifespan, (4) better estimates of root stocks across sites and species to parameterize or validate models, and (5) dynamic interplay among rooting depth, resource availability and resource uptake. Greater attention to model parameterization and structural representation of roots will lead to greater appreciation for belowground processes in terrestrial models and improve estimates of ecosystem resilience to global change drivers.
DOI
10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2014.07.023
Persistent Identifier
http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/13206
Citation Details
Smithwick, Erica A.H.; Lucash, Melissa S.; McCormack, M. Luke; and Sivandran, Gajan, "Improving the Representation of Roots in Terrestrial Models" (2014). Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations. 108.
http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/13206
Description
NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Ecological Modelling. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Ecological Modelling, [VOL 291, 2014] and can be found online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2014.07.023