Sampling roots to capture plant and soil functions

• Published in: Functional ecology Vol. 31; no. 8; pp. 1506 - 1518
• Main Authors: Freschet, Grégoire T., Roumet, Catherine
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Wiley 01.08.2017; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Anatomy; Categories; data collection; ecological function; Ecology; Ecosystems; fine roots; fine‐root diversity; guidelines; Linkages; physiology; plant and ecosystem functions; REVIEW; root diameter; root functional traits; root order; root sampling; root systems; Roots; Sampling; Sampling methods; soil; trait ontology

Summary Roots vary in anatomy, morphology and physiology, both spatially (different parts of the same root system) and temporally (plastic changes, root ageing), suggesting that root trait measurements are strongly affected by root sampling categories. In this context, it is urgent to clarify the fu...