Minirhizotron system to study fine root demographic processes

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Fine root productivity accounts for 33% of ecosystem net primary production in terrestrial ecosystems. My research program has made significant advances in belowground ecology, in particular, fine root ecology, by examining tree species diversity effects on fine root productivity, fine root dynamics with stand development, and global change effects on fine root life span and production. To further advance fine root ecology, I propose to purchase one BTC-100X High Magnification Minirhizotron Camera System and necessary accessories to examine mechanisms responsible for species diversity effect on fine root production and fine root dynamics. The proposed equipment will enable us to understand mechanisms responsible for increased fine root productivity with increasing tree species diversity and fine root dynamics with forest development. We intend to quantify strength of density dependence, niche differentiation, horizontal and vertical spatial heterogeneity of fine roots in natural environments in regulating species co-existence and ecosystem function. We expect that our research will make outstanding contributions to understanding ecological processes belowground, a relatively unknown portion of terrestrial ecosystem. The proposed equipment will involve training 4 students.