@article{fdi:010074406,
  title = {{T}ree root dynamics in montane and sub-alpine mixed forest patches},
  author = {{W}ang, {Y}. and {K}im, {J}. {H}. and {M}ao, {Z}. and {R}amel, {M}. and {P}ailler, {F}. and {P}erez, {J}{\'e}r{\^o}me and {R}ey, {H}. and {T}ron, {S}. and {J}ourdan, {C}. and {S}tokes, {A}.},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{B}ackground and {A}ims {T}he structure of heterogeneous forests has consequences for their biophysical environment. {V}ariations in the local climate significantly affect tree physiological processes. {W}e hypothesize that forest structure also alters tree root elongation and longevity through temporal and spatial variations in soil temperature and water potential. {M}ethods {W}e installed rhizotrons in paired vegetation communities of closed forest (tree islands) and open patches (canopy gaps), along a soil temperature gradient (elevations of 1400, 1700 and 2000 m) in a heterogeneous mixed forest. {W}e measured the number of growing tree roots, elongation and mortality every month over 4 years. {K}ey {R}esults {T}he results showed that the mean daily root elongation rate ({RER}) was not correlated with soil water potential but was significantly and positively correlated with soil temperature between 0 and 8 degrees {C} only. {T}he {RER} peaked in spring, and a smaller peak was usually observed in the autumn. {R}oot longevity was dependent on altitude and the season in which roots were initiated, and root diameter was a significant factor explaining much of the variability observed. {T}he finest roots usually grew faster and had a higher risk of mortality in gaps than in closed forest. {A}t 2000 m, the finest roots had a higher risk of mortality compared with the lower altitudes. {C}onclusions {T}he {RER} was largely driven by soil temperature and was lower in cold soils. {A}t the treeline, ephemeral fine roots were more numerous, probably in order to compensate for the shorter growing season. {D}ifferences in soil climate and root dynamics between gaps and closed forest were marked at 1400 and 1700 m. but not at 2000 m, where canopy cover was more sparse. {T}herefore, heterogeneous forest structure and situation play a significant role in determining root demography in temperate, montane forests, mostly through impacts on soil temperature.},
  keywords = {{R}oot elongation ; initiation ; longevity ; {P}icea abies ; {A}bies alba ; altitude ; growth ; {FRANCE} ; {ALPES} ; {ISERE}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{A}nnals of {B}otany},
  volume = {122},
  numero = {5},
  pages = {861--872},
  ISSN = {0305-7364},
  year = {2018},
  DOI = {10.1093/aob/mcy021},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010074406},
}