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A Whole-forest Pulse-label Study of Microbial Dynamics and Root Turnover

Margaret S. Torn, J. Gaudinski, K. Treseder, J. Westbrook, D. Joslin, and C. Swanston

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.

 

 

 

 

 

figureThe change in D14C of new root growth (black circles) over time at Walker Branch, Oak Ridge, TN. The purple line shows atmospheric 14CO2 at Oak Ridge, with the major 14C release in 1999, based on wood cellulose before July 1999 and direct atmospheric measurements after July 1999. The dashed green line is background atmospheric D14CO2.