Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3259
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3259
09 Dec 2024
 | 09 Dec 2024

The fungal collaboration gradient drives root trait distribution and ecosystem processes in a tropical montane forest

Mateus Dantas de Paula, Tatiana Reichert, Laynara Lugli, Erica McGale, Kerstin Pierick, João Paulo Darela-Filho, Liam Langan, Jürgen Homeier, Anja Rammig, and Thomas Hickler

Abstract. Plant roots have a large diversity of form and function, which is also related to their degree of mycorrhizal association. This is known as the fungal collaboration gradient, where thin roots acquire resources by themselves and thicker roots depend on mycorrhizas. In this study, we, for the first time, implement the fungal collaboration gradient in a trait-based Dynamic Vegetation Model (DVM, LPJ-GUESS-NTD). We test if the DVM can predict root trait distributions, and estimate the effects of mycorrhizae-mediated nutrient uptake on ecosystem processes along an elevation gradient in a tropical montane forest in southern Ecuador. The model reproduces the observed root traits specific root length (SRL) and AMF colonization along the elevation gradient, which ranges from high SRL and low AMF colonization at 1,000 m to low SRL and high AMF colonization at 3,000 m. When AMF-mediated nutrient uptake is deactivated site average biomass values are reduced by up to 80 %. Accounting for AMF-related belowground traits also affects simulated community leaf traits, suggesting linkages between below- and aboveground traits. The model suggests that the collaboration gradient has a substantial influence on vegetation diversity and functioning in the study system. We thus advocate more explicit treatment of root traits and mycorrhizae in DVMs. The model scheme here is based on general trade-offs and could be implemented in other DVMs and be tested for other study regions.

Competing interests: At least one of the (co-)authors is a member of the editorial board of Biogeosciences

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This study explores how plant roots, with different forms and functions, rely on fungal...
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