Fine root decomposition in forest ecosystems: an ecological perspective

Abstract

Fine root decomposition is a physio-biochemical activity that is critical to the global carbon cycle (C) in forest ecosystems. It is crucial to investigate the mechanisms and factors that control fine root decomposition in forest ecosystems to understand their system-level carbon balance. This process can be influenced by several abiotic (e.g., mean annual temperature, mean annual precipitation, site elevation, stand age, salinity, soil pH) and biotic (e.g., microorganism, substrate quality) variables. Comparing decomposition rates within sites reveals positive impacts of nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and negative effects of lignin concentration. Nevertheless, estimating the actual fine root breakdown is difficult due to inadequate methods, anthropogenic activities, and the impact of climate change. Herein, we propose that how fine root substrate and soil physiochemical characteristics interact with soil microorganisms to influence fine root decomposition. This review summarized the elements that influence this process, as well as the research methods used to investigate it. There is also need to study the influence of annual and seasonal changes affecting fine root decomposition. This cumulative evidence will provide information on temporal and spatial dynamics of forest ecosystems, and will determine how logging and reforestation affect fine root decomposition.

The Seasonal Impact of Thinning Intensities on Soil Carbon Cycling in the Lesser Xing’an Range, Northeast China

“…Thinning reduces tree and potentially fine root biomass, impacting fine root decomposition rates [53,54]. Studies indicate fine root decomposition rates post-thinning vary with soil microbial communities and environmental conditions [52,55]. This study reveals moderate thinning intensity boosts litter and fine root decomposition rates, aiding soil carbon accumulation and soil carbon storage growth.…”

“…Fine root decomposition is vital for soil nutrient cycling and the forest ecosystems' carbon balance. Accelerating litter and fine root decomposition increases soil organic carbon inputs, enhancing soil carbon cycling [52]. Thinning reduces tree and potentially fine root biomass, impacting fine root decomposition rates [53,54].…”

Unveiling the Influence of Climate and Technology on Forest Efficiency: Evidence from Chinese Provinces

“…The findings indicate that temperature escalation positively impacts FE, maybe in regions where extended growing seasons facilitate increased biomass production. Warmer temperatures promote organic matter decomposition, releasing nutrients into the soil and promoting nutrient cycling, which is essential for forest productivity [56]. However, temperature escalation may initially increase FE, but it may also worsen water stress and pest outbreaks, requiring careful management to maintain forest health and productivity.…”

Optimizing soil core fine root collection and characterization: significant time reduction with a sub-sampling approach

“…Indeed, regardless of the type of soil sample, numerous tiny root fragments (live or dead) within the fine organic fraction were found. The loss of this highly dynamic component of the root system, which is strictly related to plant growth behavior and environmental factors (Montagnoli et al 2012;Saha et al 2023), may compromise or weaken the successful outcome of any scientific study.…”

“…An important fine root trait is given by the "root turnover" (Brunner et al 2013), which plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling and organic matter dynamics within ecosystems, since the nutrients released by dead roots during decomposition will then be available for uptake by other plants and soil organisms (Cheng et al 2023;Saha et al 2023).…”