Fine-Root C:N:P Stoichiometry and Its Driving Factors Are Different between Arbuscular and Ectomycorrhizal Plants in China

Abstract

Fine roots are essential for terrestrial biogeochemical cycles. Mycorrhizal fungi’s functions in regulating the uptake of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) in plants are increasingly being recognized. However, the influence of mycorrhizae on Chinese plants’ fine-root stoichiometry has not been considered. Herein, 772 plants with identified mycorrhizal types were divided into arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) types to investigate the differences in their fine-root stoichiometry and their driving factors. The results showed that the AM and ECM fine-root stoichiometries were significantly different (p p p < 0.01) but was only negatively correlated with ECM fine-root P. It was concluded that the mycorrhizal type affects the response of the fine-root stoichiometry to climate and soil variations. Therefore, the mycorrhizal effect deserves attention when studying the relationship between plant nutrient uptake and environmental changes.

Keywords

• fine root
• stoichiometry
• arbuscular mycorrhiza
• ectomycorrhiza
• climate
• soil environment