Root respiration and associated costs in deciduous and evergreen species of Quercus

Abstract

Root construction and maintenance costs were estimated in four evergreen and three deciduous Quercus species that are typical in the landscape of southern Spain. The cost quantification was based on analysis of the growthrespiration ratio. Values observed for both construction cost (ranging from 1·17 to 1·29 g glucose g − − − − 1 dry weight) and maintenance cost (ranging from 6·22 to 11·71 mg glucose g − − − − 1 dry weight d − − − − 1 ) were generally lower than those reported in other studies. The results showed non-significant differences between deciduous and evergreen species. The lack of significant differences between species appeared to be due to the homogeneity of growth conditions. Hydroponic culture, with unrestricted nutrient and water supply, would lead to low tissue carbon content and low respiration rates, leading to the low costs observed. Furthermore, the fact that root organs are clearly importers of organic molecules inevitably entails some underestimation of the respiration associated with growth and, to a lesser extent, with maintenance respiration. This leads in turn to underestimation of the corresponding construction and maintenance costs. All this raises doubts as to the suitability of this method for studying root systems.

Quercus suber dieback alters soil respiration and nutrient availability in Mediterranean forests

“…Thus, we did not detect species‐specific differences in soil respiration rates, likely influenced by similar root maintenance respiration rates among species (Martínez et al . ), but found important differences in nutrient availability (i.e. N and P).…”

Variation in morphological and chemical traits of Mediterranean tree roots: linkage with leaf traits and soil conditions

“…However, few studies have investigated the differences in root traits between evergreen and deciduous trees; for example, Martinez et al (2002) did not find differences in root C or N concentrations between deciduous and evergreen species of Quercus.…”

Growth, gas exchange, and root respiration of Quercus rubra seedlings exposed to low root zone temperatures in solution culture

“…Many critical root functions are dependent upon energy supplied through root respiration. Low RT inhibits root respiration and results in reduced nutrient uptake and root growth (Martinez et al, 2002). Similarly, low soil temperature can also reduce plant water uptake as a result of decreased root permeability and increased water viscosity (Kaufmann, 1975), thereby potentially affecting growth, gas exchange, and survival following transplanting.…”