The Importance of Belowground Plant Allocation for Terrestrial
Carbon Sequestration
Margaret S. Torn, T.E. Dawson, J.A. Bird, J. Gaudinski, and D.E.
Williard
Contact: Margaret S. Torn, 510/495-2223, MSTorn@lbl.gov
Research Objectives
One strategy proposed for sequestering carbon in terrestrial ecosystems
is to increase allocation of carbon to roots, on the assumption
that root inputs are efficiently converted to stable soil organic
matter (SOM). We are conducting research to fill critical gaps in
understanding belowground carbon cycling and sequestration in soils
of temperate forests, by characterizing:
- The lifetime of fine roots and implications for belowground
net primary productivity
- Decomposition dynamics of root and needle/leaf C inputs
- Total residence time of belowground C, including SOM
To continue reading more about this project, view the
1-page pdf here.
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 Percent C recovery from needle and root litter after 10 months in situ. Litter was applied to the top of the O horizon or 2-5 cm below the O/A interface in the A horizon during November 2001. Shown are total C recovery in the whole soil (solid lines) and the <2 mm fraction (dashed lines). Means (n=4) and standard errors are shown.
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