Nature Communications (Aug 2018)

Unravelling the age of fine roots of temperate and boreal forests

  • Emily F. Solly,
  • Ivano Brunner,
  • Heljä-Sisko Helmisaari,
  • Claude Herzog,
  • Jaana Leppälammi-Kujansuu,
  • Ingo Schöning,
  • Marion Schrumpf,
  • Fritz H. Schweingruber,
  • Susan E. Trumbore,
  • Frank Hagedorn

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-05460-6
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9, no. 1
pp. 1 – 8

Abstract

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Fine-root lifetimes and carbon inputs from roots into soil impact carbon cycle-climate feedbacks yet remain poorly constrained. Here, using annual-growth rings and radiocarbon dating, the authors show that the chronological age of fine roots is substantially younger than that of the carbon used for their growth.