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Data from: A trait-based root acquisition-defence-decomposition framework in angiosperm tree species

Zheng, jiajia1; Freschet, Grégoire T.2; Tedersoo, Leho3; Li, Shenggong1; Yan, Han4; Jiang, Lei5; Wang, Huimin1; Ma, Ning1; Dai, Xiaoqin1; Fu, Xiaoli1; Kou, Liang1

Published Jun 07, 2024 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.p2ngf1vzn

Data files

Jun 07, 2024 version files 275.88 KB
Jun 07, 2024 version files 275.89 KB

Abstract

Plants make trade-offs between root resource acquisition and defence ability, for adapting to the complex belowground environment. This includes forming partnerships with different types of root associating microorganisms, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal fungi. These trade-offs, by mediating root chemistry, exert legacy effects on nutrient release during decomposition, which may, in turn, affect the ability of new roots to re-acquire resources, thereby generating a feedback loop. However, the linkages at the basis of this potential feedback loop remain largely unquantified. Here, we propose a trait-based root ‘acquisition-defence-decomposition’ conceptual framework and test the strength of relevant linkages across 90 angiosperm tree species. We show that, at the plant species level, the root-fungal symbiosis gradient within the root economics space, root chemical defence (condensed tannins), and root decomposition rate are closely linked, providing support to this framework. Beyond the dichotomy between arbuscular mycorrhizal-dominated versus ectomycorrhizal-dominated systems, we suggest a continuous shift in feedback loops, from “high arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis-low defence-fast decomposition-inorganic nutrition” by evolutionarily ancient taxa to “high ectomycorrhizal symbiosis-high defence-slow decomposition-organic nutrition” by more modern taxa. This ‘acquisition-defence-decomposition’ framework provides solid foundation for testable hypotheses on the multidimensional linkages between species’ belowground strategies and ecosystem nutrient cycling in evolutionary context.